Bayeux Tapestry arrives in UK under cover of night

The Bayeux Tapestry, which illustrates the famous Battle Of Hastings, has returned to the UK for the first time in nearly 1,000 years.

It arrived under cover of night accompanied by a police escort, after making a carefully planned journey from a secret location northern France.

The artefact was transported in a specially designed container to keep its temperature and humidity constant.

The tapestry is due to go on display at the British Museum in London later this year.

The nearly 70-metre-long embroidery tells the story of the events leading up to the Norman invasion of Britain, which led to the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The tapestry is thought to have been made in Kent in the 11th century, not long after the end of the Battle.

It is one of the world's most famous medieval artworks and and helps historians understand what life was like nearly 1,000 years ago.

Although it is called the Bayeux Tapestry, it is actually an embroidery made from linen with coloured wool stitched onto it.

Among others, the tapestry features 58 different scenes, 626 characters and 737 animals including horses, dogs and birds.

The artwork has been loaned to the UK for nine months, while the museum in Bayeux in northern France, where it is usually displayed, is being renovated.

Because the tapestry is so old and fragile, experts spent months planning how to move it safely.

Some people were worried that moving such an important piece of history could damage it.

However, museum officials say that every possible step was taken to make sure the valuable tapestry arrived safely.

It travelled inside a specially designed crate that carefully controlled the temperature and humidity, while shock absorbers helped protect it from bumps during the journey.

The work travelled across the English Channel on the Eurotunnel, before making its way to central London in the middle of night.

Experts even made two practice journeys with a copy of the tapestry, in order to test the route and the crate.

Nick Cullinan, from the British Museum, explained: "It feels like a really remarkable thing not just to witness but to be part of, and we're so excited to share it with as many people as possible."

The tapestry will go on display at the British Museum from September this year.

Visitors will be able to see the entire artwork laid out flat for the first time, rather than hanging on a wall.