In 1871 on the near approach of the Prussians, the Tapestry was hastily taken down and hidden secretly away. When danger was passed it was returned to its former position. The Bayeux authorities, however, refuse to divulge the secret of its hiding-place, feeling that should adverse circumstances again arise it would be advisable that there should again be this secret spot in which to stow away the Tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry has since the 18th century received notice from English archæologists; in 1746, Stukeley, author of the _Palæographica Britannica_, mentions it as “the noblest monument in the world, relating to our old English history.” He was followed by a learned antiquarian, Dr. Ducarel, who stated that it was hung round the nave of the cathedral on St. John’s Day, and continued there for eight days more. Two distinguished historians, Lord Lyttelton and David Hume, also discussed the Tapestry, the former being the first to doubt its contemporary date, thereby anticipating some modern criticism. In the early years of the 19th century criticism of the Tapestry became more serious, the years 1816-1820 being very important in this respect. The views of Messrs. Stothard, Amyot, Hudson Gurney and others can be read in volumes XVIII. and XIX. of _Archæologia_. In 1816 Mr. Charles Stothard was sent by the Society of Antiquaries to Bayeux to make a drawing of the Tapestry, and he brought home two small fragments with him.[6] Within two years he had completed his copy of the Tapestry, which is to be seen reproduced in Vol. VI. of the _Vetusta Monumenta_. Freeman, in Appendix A., Vol. III. (2nd edition), devotes a long passage to the subject and states his belief in its being made in England, an opinion which has not been generally shared. [Illustration: FIG. 3. HARROWING (_see_ p. 27).] IV.--THE INSCRIPTIONS. The Latin inscriptions above the embroidery run as follows (an English translation has been added, but no attempt has been made to amend or correct):-- 1. EDWARD REX Edward the King. 2. UBI HAROLD, DUX ANGLORUM, ET SUI MILITES EQUITANT AD BOSHAM Where Harold, Duke of the English, and his soldiers ride to Bosham. 3. ECCLESIA The Church (at Bosham). 4. HIC HAROLD MARE NAVIGAVIT Here Harold crossed the sea. 5, 6. ET VELIS VENTO PLENIS VENIT IN TERRA WIDONIS COMITIS And with sails full of wind came into the land of Count Guy. 6, 7. HAROLD 7. HIC APPREHENDIT WIDO HARLOLDŪ Here Guy seizes Harold. 8, 9. ET DUXIT EUM AD BELREM ET IBI EUM TENUIT And led him to Beaurain and held him there. 10. UBI HAROLD (et) WIDO PARABOLANT Where Harold and Guy converse. 11. UBI NUNTII WILLELMI DUCIS VENERUNT AD WIDONĒ. TUROLD Where the messengers of Duke William came to Guy. Turold. 12. NUNTII WILLELMI The messengers of William. 13. HIC VENIT NUNTIUS AD WILGELMUM DUCEM Here the messenger came to Duke William. 14, 15. HIC WIDO ADDUXIT HAROLDUM AD WILGELMUM NORMANNORUM DUCEM Here Guy led Harold to William, Duke of the Normans.