Comparing The Magna Carta And The Bayeux Tapestry

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After the devastating fire that has tragically destroyed several historical documents that I, unfortunately, was unable to save, I would like to justify my decision to save only two of those documents: the Magna Carta and the Bayeux Tapestry. First, my immediate thought was to save the Magna Carta. This extraordinaire source presented a significant advance in Medieval English society and law. The Magna Carta was the first document to ensure that everyone would receive a fair trial, and not even the King himself was above the law. Furthermore, this document has been an important part in both the English and global history. The Magna Carta, or Great Charter, has served as an inspiration for the Petition of Right in 1628, an English constitutional document intended to limit the King’s power. …show more content…

I decided to save the Bayeux Tapestry, but perhaps not because of what it represents for English history, but for its feminist and artistic value. Historically, embroidery has been dismissed for being a “woman’s work”, and in the case of the Bayeux Tapestry, it is more often admired for what it portrays (the Norman conquest of England) rather than for its composition and rendering (created thanks to the hard work of Anglo-Saxon women). For that reason, I believe saving the Bayeux Tapestry above the rest of documents was the right choice. I did it in hopes that our future generations will learn to value this piece of art made by women, and that embroidery will be recognized as a highly skilled art that cannot be performed by just anyone. Moreover, a primary source that took so much effort from so many people should not be left behind. In addition, its historical value must be taken into account as well. After all, the Bayeux Tapestry represents the battle that put an end to the Anglo-Saxon period and, although it may be biased (as it is told from the Norman point of view), it is still an important part of English

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