Bayeux tapestry comes to Britain (ctd.)

April 1 2018

Picture: Bayeux Tapestry

Since the news that President Macron of France is to send the Bayeux Tapestry on loan to the UK, the British government has been wondering what British treasure to send to France in return. I understand that the Rosetta Stone was considered first, but this idea was shelved after ministers feared its message might be mistaken for another attempt to break the Brexit negotiation deadlock; a source said, 'since the EU don't know what our position is on Brexit - and frankly neither do we - we didn't want them thinking the Stone's text was another negotiating stance.' Then, I gather, the Foreign Office suggested the Parthenon Frieze, but these were ruled out after No.10 baulked at the inevitable 'Britain loses marbles' headlines. Finally, Theresa May broke the deadlock by suggesting we send our own tapestry, and to get around any conservation issues, a new one will be specially made, reflecting Britain's post-EU future. Already dubbed 'the May-EU' tapestry, it will be weaved by a crack team of spiritually pure Brexit leaders, including Nigel Farage and Jacob Rees-Mogg. A source close to the Prime Minister said, 'it's one in the eye for Boris Johnson'.

More here. 

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