A fragment of the Bayeux Tapestry has finally been rediscovered decades after German Nazis snatched the iconic embroidery during World War Two.
The lost piece was discovered in the Schleswig-Holstein State Archives, located in a northern German town.
These archives were owned by local archaeologist Karl Schlabow – a member of a group of scientists commissioned by Nazi organisation Ahnenerbe to study the “great achievements” of Aryan civilisation, founded by Heinrich Himmler’s Schutzstaffel.
Prolific for its ardent promotion of racist pseudoscientific philosophies, the Ahnenerbe was commissioned to re-measure the tapestry in 1941.
Himmler’s SS requested the remeasurement of the iconic masterpiece in 1941
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While this work was being carried out, it is believed that the fragment was stolen from the embroidery.
Upon its discovery, it has been confirmed that the lost piece will be sent back to France as one of its cultural assets, the Stuttgarter Zeitung has reported.
The Bayeux Tapestry was a particular source of fascination for Hitler’s Nazis.
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The Nazis admired the artwork all because of their devout adoration of William the Conqueror as a political strategist who was victorious over England and established a new nation.
As a result, it was put under strict security measures to protect the artefact, as well as its wider collection.
In 1939, the embroidery was safely stowed away in an underground bunker at the Hotel du Doyen until 1941, when it was sent over to the National Museums repository in Sourches.
As the allies advanced during the war, Germans sent the treasured tapestry over the the Louvre in Paris
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As the allies advanced during the war, Germans sent the treasured tapestry over to the Louvre in Paris.
However, the transfer did not happen before Himmler had the chance to display the artwork in his castle.
Once in the Louvre, the Resistance won back Paris just two days later – and consequently the much-loved artwork.
