'Can't see the Bayeux Tapestry? Here's our Mapestry'

7 hours ago

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire

The Mapestry of Higham Ferrers was created by the Material Girls

Gareth Hughes A Mapestry, on a wall, showing a town's history made from fabric and thread. There is a golden sun a number of buildings, trees, a sky, all in rows. — The Mapestry of Higham Ferrers was created by the Material Girls

A small Northamptonshire town is hoping to capitalise on the country's current fascination with the Bayeux Tapestry.

Canny tourism officers in Higham Ferrers say the town's own impressive hand-sewn "Mapestry", which showcases landmarks and buildings, could provide a visual alternative.

The 1.5m (4.9ft) work, made from recycled material, was designed by retired art teacher Fay Caddick, who worked on the project with a group of friends known as The Material Girls.

Liz Barnatt, chair of the Higham Ferrers tourism business and community partnership, said: "We said to everyone, this is our Bayeux Tapestry, it's just a great way to promote our town and how it was produced."

She said that when they first heard the Bayeux Tapestry was coming to London, "we jumped on it".

Work began on the Mapestry in 2009 and took three years to complete.

It features well-known buildings in Higham Ferrers, including St Mary's Church, The Bede House, the Market Square, the Belgium House, Chichele College and the Griffin Inn.

Barnatt added: "It looks stunning, it's an absolute credit to the ladies who did it."

The 70m (230ft)-long 11th Century Bayeux Tapestry is being loaned to the British Museum and is currently on display

Reuters Shadowy figures of people viewing the Bayeux Tapestry up close — The 70m (230ft)-long 11th Century Bayeux Tapestry is being loaned to the British Museum and is currently on display

The inspiration for the Higham Ferrers Mapestry came from librarian Lynne Curnutte, before Caddick set about designing the piece and its layout and content.

It first went on display at the town's library and was then moved to Henry Chichele Primary School.

However, due to "wear and tear" and being open to the elements, the town council was asked to retrieve it.

"Fay then oversaw the restoration and after six months of repairs it needed a new home", Barnatt said.

"The Hope Methodist Church has a big area in its entrance hall, so we thought it would look great there, so we got it moved."

The piece was later framed and unveiled to the public in October 2025.

The handmade Mapestry contains detailed features of local landmarks and buildings, including Higham Ferrers Town Hall

Gareth Hughes A close up image of Higham Ferrers Town Hall, made from fabric and thread. It shows two trees, a building, with a green area and war memorial in front. The building has five windows and a door. — The handmade Mapestry contains detailed features of local landmarks and buildings, including Higham Ferrers Town Hall

A spokesperson for the town council said: "Our wonderful Higham Ferrers Mapestry celebrates the town's history through fabric, thread, appliqué and embroidery, featuring some of the town's historic buildings and landmarks.

"Created by a team of talented friends known as the Material Girls, this unique 1.5-metre artwork took several years and countless stitches to complete."