Britain to insure Bayeux Tapestry...for £800million!

THE Treasury will insure the Bayeux Tapestry for an estimated £800million while it is on loan to the British Museum next year.

- BY HELEN CORBETT

This will cover the ancient artefact for damage or loss during its transfer from France and while it is on display in London.

The cover will be backed by the government indemnity scheme, an alternative to commercial insurance that allows art and cultural objects to be shown in the UK.

It was reported that the Treasury had provisionally approved an estimated valuation of around £800m for the work, which is more than 900 years old.