HISTORY fanatics are being urged to come to Reading Museum to view a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry.

The original version, which features the Norman conquest of England and Battle of Hastings, is set to be displayed in the UK for the first time.

However, with an arrival date yet to be confirmed, residents are reminded to visit the museum to avoid an unnecessary trip to France.

Councillor Sarah Hacker, lead member for Culture, said: “Reading Museum is proud to be the home of Britain’s own famous full-size copy of the Bayeux Tapestry in its magnificent entirety.

“It is very exciting to have the original Bayeux Tapestry come to the UK. Reading’s own copy has stood in for it on many occasions.

“Countless people have enjoyed learning about the Norman conquest thanks to our copy and will no doubt look forward to seeing the original.”

The faithful Victorian replica, created in 1885, is 70 metres long and has been one of the star attractions at the museum for visiting schoolchildren for decades.

Before finding a permanent home at Reading Museum, the exhibit was often loaned around the world worldwide.

Cllr Hacker added: “I would encourage people to stop by the museum for one of our free tapestry tours.

“The other great news is that from this summer they can also tie in their visit with a tour of the abbey founded by William the Conqueror’s son King Henry I, with the much anticipated reopening of Reading’s oldest gem, the Abbey Ruins, following a three year, £3.15 million conservation project.”