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@readingmuseum.bsky.social
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Posts from Reading Museum. We share stories from the history of the town of Reading, its people, its wildlife, and our collections. www.readingmuseum.org.uk

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What's On Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
October is Black History Month, and there's a wealth of events lined-up #inrdg - exhibitions, poetry, music, theatre and much more, from the likes of @readingmuseum.bsky.social, @southstreetarts.bsky.social and others. Take a look via whatsonreading.com/black-histor...
Black History Month 2026 logo with images of various black performers and historical figures
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The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) @themerl.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
go to @readingmuseum.bsky.social (right now)
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What's On Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Want to get up close with some of @readingmuseum.bsky.social 's lesser-seen artefacts? October and November offer more chances to go on guided tour of the Museum’s offsite store in Whitley, where most of the collections that are not on display are kept. Look & book - buff.ly/S06Al1r
A woman crouching down and pointing at an ancient stone thing, showing it off to a second woman
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Interested in Roman history? Join us on Saturday 19 Sept for our 'Romans Reimagined Day', part of the Heritage Open Days programme: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/her...
A person looks at a museum case filled with Roman pottery/ stairs in the background. Gallery is at Reading Museum.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Looking for a gift for a history lover? Did you know that we stock these fairtrade decorations of King Harold Godwinson from the Bayeux Tapestry? Find out more on our shop site reading-museum-shop.myshopify.com/collections/..., and don't miss our upcoming events and talks. www.readingmuseum.org.uk
A person holds a decoration of Harold from the Bayeux Tapestry in front of a copy of the Bayeux Tapestry at Reading Museum
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Reposted by Reading Museum
What's On Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
We're just a few days away from this year's Heritage Open Days! And there's so much to get stuck into - exploring our old churches, going on history walks, object-handling at @readingmuseum.bsky.social, discovering the histories of well-known places... whatsonreading.com/heritage-ope...
Montage of event posters
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We are enjoying all things Bayeux Tapestry related this autumn! Pop in to the Reading Museum Shop in-store or online to see our Bayeux range: reading-museum-shop.myshopify.com/collections/...
a cushion from the Reading Museum shop pictured in the Bayeux Gallery. cushion nas picture of partof the patestry with 2 horses with soldiers riding.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Join internationally acclaimed poet and composer Martin Kiszko on 17 Oct for performances of his Epic Poem. Each ticket incudes a copy of the Epic Poem to be collected on the day. www.readingmuseum.org.uk/book-launch-... Image: C.2026 Richard Parker Crook
Image of the front cover of the book by Martin Kiszko called Bayeux Tapestry The Epic Poem. Background is blue with a tapestry style image of a boat sailing wiht men and horses on board.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Book now for our wonderful Bayeux Tapestry Talks Series at Reading Museum: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on-rea... #RDG #RDGUK #BritainsBayeuxTapestry
Advert for series of talks at Reading Museum on the theme of Bayeux. First is on 24th October, second on 14th November and third is on 6th february. All details on the Reading Museum website. Cost is £15 per talk.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
We have just released more Bayeux Tapestry tour tickets for January and February, so book now to avoid disappointment! 📅 www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/bayeux-tapestry-tours
readingmuseum.org.uk
Bayeux Tapestry Tours
What: Enjoy a guided tour of the famous full-size facsimile Tapestry with one of our friendly and knowledgeable gallery team. Please note: booking is not required for visiting the gallery outside of o...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
We have just released more Bayeux Tapestry tour tickets for January and February, so book now to avoid disappointment! 📅 www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/bayeux-tapestry-tours
readingmuseum.org.uk
Bayeux Tapestry Tours
What: Enjoy a guided tour of the famous full-size facsimile Tapestry with one of our friendly and knowledgeable gallery team. Please note: booking is not required for visiting the gallery outside of o...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Haven’t got tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum? Don’t worry you can visit Reading's full-size copy, faithfully embroidered by 35 women in 1885-86 (plus extra pants!) Or latest blog compares the two tapestries www.readingmuseum.org.uk/blog/comparing-bayeux-and-reading-tapestries
readingmuseum.org.uk
Comparing the Bayeux and Reading tapestries
Reading’s Bayeux Tapestry is a full-size copy of the original 11th century tapestry. It was created in 1885-1886 by 35 women of the Leek Embroidery Society 'so that England should have a copy of its o...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We have just released more tickets for our Bayeux Tapestry talks series: On 24 Oct is Michael Lewis, curator of the British Museum Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, Dave Musgrove, co-author of 'The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry' is on 14 Nov, and on 6 Feb Prof Anne Curry Book at www.readingmuseum.org.uk
poster for Reading Museum's  Bayeux Tapestry talks series in October, November and February, with images of a tour guide and the Reading Bayeux Tapestry
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Reposted by Reading Museum
What's On Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Not only that, @readingmuseum.bsky.social has some wonderful Bayeux-related talks and other events coming up this autumn too whatsonreading.com/themes/readi...
whatsonreading.com
Reading's Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux
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Reposted by Reading Museum
Losd @losdemas.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Others have said, but @readingmuseum.bsky.social have had the Victorian copy on display for many years. It's wonderful - and free entry (donations appreciated)! www.readingmuseum.org.uk/bayeux-tapes...
readingmuseum.org.uk
Britain's Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England, when William the Conqueror inva...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Reading Festival is here! Check out these Reading Festival posters from 1978, 1992 and 2021. Recognise any of the headliners? The festival has been in our town since 1971. Charlie XCX is one of this year's headliners. 🖼️ 2023.75.3, 2023.75.6 2023.76.1 📷 Reading Museum #FridayFinds
Reading Festival poster from from 2021, Reading Museum CollectionReading Festival poster from 1992, Reading Museum CollectionReading Festival poster from 1987, Reading Museum Collection
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
5 ancient Egyptian amuletic figures, provenance unknown. Amulets were believed to have positive properties that can be magically transferred to their owner. In Ancient Egypt they were usually worn on the body. These amulets could be worn as pendants. 🏅 1997.137.32.1-5 📷 Reading Museum #FridayFinds
Amulet pendants: A hand, two legs, a fish and a figure of the god Bes. Reading Museum Collection
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Did you know the origin of Reading Abbey's luxurious limestone? Reading has more Norman connections than you might expect... Join an Abbey Quarter Tour with one of our brilliant guides and walk through fascinating local history, from medieval, Roman, and Victorian times, up to the present day!
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Have fun at Reading Museum during the summer holidays! Pop in and enjoy our ROAR-some Dino and Fossil Trail, and make a creative dinosaur collage with our craft packs. Available during our opening hours Tues to Sat, more info at www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/family-fun-reading-museum
Dinosaur and caption for low cost family fun at Reading Museum & Pantry cafe with free bus travel for kids!
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
@uniofreading.bsky.social celebrates its centenary this year. Women students at London Road campus cloisters, 1945. Students came from all over the country to study, staying in five residential halls, two for men and three for women. 1946.52.114 Ministry of Information, Reading Museum #FridayFinds
three female students walking under a covered walkway at the University of Reading in the 1940s, Reading Museum collection
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We have lots of low-cost and free family fun activities throughout the summer 🖼️✏️🦖 and kids meal deals in the cafe! 🍽️ And don't forget under 16s go free on local buses this August, so there are even more reasons to visit Reading Museum! 🚌 www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/family-fun-reading-museum
a mum and daughter, family fun at Reading Museum and cafe, with text highlighting low cost activities and free kids bus travel in August 2026
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Continuing from yesterday’s #WorldEmbroideryDay here is a embroidery of Halley’s comet based on our replica #BayeuxTapestry The comet, with its bright flaming tail, appeared in the sky in 1066 and was considered a bad omen by the English 2001.297.20 Embroiderers' Guild, Reading Museum #FridayFinds
Embroidery of Halley's comet based on the replica Bayeux Tapestry at Reading Museum
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Reposted by Reading Museum
Simon Jones @simonjones.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I just saw this in a rather good museum.
Detail of embroidered comet from Bayeux Tapestry copy in Reading Museum.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Did you know part of Bugsy Malone was filmed in Reading, long before Shinfield Studios? In the all child cast gangster story Bugsy Malone starring Jodie Foster and Scott Baio from 1975, the bar scenes were filmed in the Huntley & Palmers factory at Reading.
Director and two actors in 1920s dress sitting at a table, Reading Museum
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What's On Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What happens when you mix historical artefacts, collaborative storytelling and a twenty-sided die? @readingmuseum.bsky.social are setting out to answer just that with an Intro to Dungeons and Dragon for 10-12 year olds on 5 Aug, offering up new ways of bringing the museum to life. buff.ly/AJKa9x8
A Dungeons & Dragons map and various dice of different colours and numbers of sides
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Here we go again 🇫🇷 VS 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #1066 #2026 #WorldCup2026
English versus Norman-French armies in the Bayeux Tapestry's Battle of Hastings scene
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The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) @themerl.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Wonderful to see @readingmuseum.bsky.social's replica Bayeux Tapestry get a mention by @theguardian.com! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Forget the lions: five fun things to do or see to take your mind off the football
From cheetah cubs to uplifting sport to come, put England’s World Cup exit behind you with these suggestions
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The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) @themerl.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
if you're ever visiting us, make a day of it and stop by @readingmuseum.bsky.social too - there's so much there that you'll find surprising and delightful about England's largest town™️, as well as the full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry! www.readingmuseum.org.uk
readingmuseum.org.uk
Reading Museum
Reading Museum is a free and fun day out for all the family. Discover more about Reading's local history, the Abbey Ruins, animals, art and more.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Compare these two views of Reading from about 185 years apart A view of Caversham Bridge and Reading from Caversham Hill by Edmund John Niemann about 1841 and a photo by Gab Gibek in 2026 See this and more in our exhibition Reading: Then and Now 2023.85.1 Reading Museum and Gab Gibek #FridayFinds
painting of river Thames and Reading town, the view from Caversham hill, Reading Museum collectionphoto of river Thames at Reading from Caversham, photo by Gab Gibek
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Find out more: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/bayeux-tapes...
readingmuseum.org.uk
Britain's Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England, when William the Conqueror inva...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
...and England after facing Argentina #WorldCup2026
Harold's death by arrow in the eye (supposedly) in the Bayeux Tapestry
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
How France played last night #WorldCup2026
Bayeux Tapestry soldier falling head firstupside down Bayeux Tapestry horse during battle sceneBayeux Tapestry battle chaosBayeux Tapestry soldier and horse falling down on each other
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
⚽🏆 Semi-final fever is in the air! 🏆⚽ From Sat 18 July, Road to Glory display will feature this rare ticket from Reading's 1926 FA Cup Semi-Final. Although Reading's cup run ended there, the year remains unforgettable, with the side winning the league and reaching the final stages of the FA Cup.
 ticket for semi-final football match, Reading Museum
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Penny Kiley @pennykiley.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Free. No booking required.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
In 1955 Simonds Brewery Annual Sports Day took place on Saturday 9 July at Berkeley Avenue Sports Ground, Reading. The weather was glorious with children enjoying pop, and the adults other refreshments! There were events for all ages. 📷 1980.36.C120.1 📷 Reading Chronicle Collection #FridayFinds
photograph of three children drinking from a bottle with long straws
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Planning what to do over the summer? 🌞 We have lots of low cost, family friendly activities running throughout the holidays at Reading Museum! 🌞 www.readingmuseum.org.uk
Reading Museum summer holidays listings poster of all family events in July and August
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Planning what to do over the summer? 🌞 We have lots of low cost, family friendly activities running throughout the holidays at Reading Museum! 🌞 www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/fam...
Summer holiday poster from reqading Museum detailing all the events for families over the summer. Go to readingmuseum.org.uk for all details of events and booking links. 
theme is dinosaurs, and highlights include trails and Victorian Schoolroom experience.
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Heather Tweed @heathertweed.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
There is a fabulous Bayeux Tapestry replica completed in 1886 at @readingmuseum.bsky.social I highly recommend a visit. Completed in less than a year and almost identical you can see a couple of excellent additions… find the underpants! 🩲 #BayeuxTapestry www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/...
readingmuseum.org.uk
The History of Britain's Bayeux Tapestry
The original Bayeux Tapestry The Bayeux Tapestry is preserved and displayed in Bayeux, in Normandy, France. Nothing is known for certain about the tapestry’s origins. The first written record of the B...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
'Time is nigh' by Stuart Roy Clarke, Royals fans are optimistic. It's 2003, Reading FC face Wolves in the play-offs, it could be a second successive promotion, the Royals had the momentum, but it was not to be. 2012.395.1 Reading Foundation for Art Collection ©️Stuart Roy Clarke #FridayFinds
Stuart Roy Clarke photograph of football fans cheering with their arms up in the air. Reading Fondation of Art collection at Reading Museum.
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Adam Koszary @adamkoszary.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
been angling to run Reading's tourism board for years
The meme of asking mom to see the Bayeux Tapestry but we have Bayeux Tapestry at home but it's the replica in Reading, with several ironic crap pictures of Reading included.
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Robin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
1/3. Saw the (largely) faithful, full size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry @readingmuseum.bsky.social yesterday. Unlike the British Museum's forthcoming exhibition, it's free and there are no crowds. You can book yourself on an excellent tour, too www.readingmuseum.org.uk/bayeux-tapes...
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What's On Reading @rdgwhatson.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We're seeing a lot of chat about tickets and queues for the Bayeux Tapestry and feel it's worth reminding you that @readingmuseum.bsky.social already has one and it's free to view whatsonreading.com/venues/readi...
whatsonreading.com
Bayeux Tapestry Tours
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England, when William the Conqueror inva...
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Reading’s unique full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry is 140 years old this year! Visit for free or book a guided tour with one of our expert team. From September you can compare it to the original on display at the other end of the Elizabeth Line in the British Museum! #BayeuxTapestry
A detail from Reading Museum's Bayeux Tapestry, showing soldiers fighting with swords on horseback and on foot at the Battle of Hastings. There are two borders at the top and bottom, with birds and animals at the top, and archers in the bottom.
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Robin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Some of the collection of Huntley & Palmers biscuits that were taken to the front in WW1, but not actually eaten, on display @readingmuseum.bsky.social
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Caversham Bridge is one of the main crossing points of the River Thames in Reading. This photo from 1868-9 shows its rebuilding from wood to an iron lattice construction. Now its 100 years since it was rebuilt in concrete. Find out more in our new guest blog. Object No. 1931.124.1
black and white photograph of old rebuilding bridge. sepia tones with some people to the right and iron works to the left of the image. From the Reading Museum collection
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Ed Hawkins @edhawkins.org · 21/06/2026
A 40°C in the forecast for Reading now on Wednesday. Still rather uncertain on the exact magnitude, but 3 consecutive days breaking the previous all-time record for Reading (37.6°C) is possible.
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This geometric open weave wall hanging is by influential weaver Peter Collingwood. His innovative macrogauze wall hangings broke away from traditional weaving, with the warp (vertical) threads zigzagging and crossing each other to create new geometrical patterns. Object 2007.1984.1 #FridayFinds
Geometric textile wall hanging in cream and black linen, Reading Museum collection
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
This stunning map of Reading by local artist Rebecca Howard is back in stock. It shows the whole town from Whitley Wood in the south, Woodley in the east, Tilehurst in the west, Emmer Green in the north. It features many of Reading's key buildings and open spaces. Back in stock: rdguk.info/DLkPH
a map of Reading by local artist Rebecca Howard showing many of Reading's key buildings and open spaces
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
We have a unique work of art by Fakhria Nezami on display in the Welcome Gallery at Reading Museum. It uses the refined techniques of traditional miniature painting and took over five months to paint. Find out more www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/fakhria-nezami-shamsa #RDG #RDGUK #RefugeeWeek
a woman artist working on a painting using miniature techniques
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Reading Museum @readingmuseum.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Dry your dishes with a dash of history using this beautifully designed cotton tea towel depicting scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry! reading-museum-shop.myshopify.com/collections/... #RDG #RDGUK #BritainsBayeuxTapestry
Bayeux Tapestry teatowel
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