Bayeux Cathedral, 2015

The last time we visited Bayeux Cathedral, I think, was the late fall of 2009. We rarely missed a cathedral, even then, but we had much yet to learn about their history, construction, aesthetics, etc. Bayeux is not one of the greatest of the greats, but it is a beautiful old building and one we like.

The original cathedral was consecrated in 1077, in the presence
of William and his brother Odo, who was bishop; Odo was the
one who carried a club into the Battle of Hastings so as not to
spill blood; also thought to have commissioned The Tapestry;
but the 11th century version was largely destroyed in a fire; what
we see today is a fine Norman/Gothic 13th century church,
fairly well preserved

One of two west tympani, a Judgement

Nave view; the Romanesque arches retained

Elevation

Standard four-part ribbed vaulting

By the 13th century, the Norman Funnies were becoming the Norman Nasties

Thus

And thus: the Middle Ages were getting to their zenith, and
everybody was a little on edge

Thus

Organ; obscuring a beautiful, huge window

Chancel; great color, verticality

Very large transept window

Buttresses, through the clerestory windows

Murder in the Cathedral depiction; click to enlarge and see that Becket really
did look like Richard Burton

Transept

And window

Bayeux features an interesting crypt, with
16th or 17th century frescoes of angelic musicians

This visit, I photographed the upstairs key to which angels
were playing which instruments

Names of saints in bays of the chancel

Beautiful cathedral, inside and out