Bishop Odo of Bayeux

• Bishop Odo of Bayeux is shown on the Bayeux Tapestry wielding a club or mace, a symbolizing him as a religious man
• Bishop Odo likely authorized or requested the production of the Bayeux Tapestry
• Duke William made his half-brother Odo bishop of Bayeux


  Around 1050
• Odo being the half-brother of the Duke of Normandy was significant
• Odo's rise in significance

  1. Organized and paid for ships for the invasion of England in 1066

  2. Took part in the Battle of Hastings

  3. Given a lot of land, became the second richest and most powerful man after King William

  4. Made Earl of Kent in 1067

  5. Helped defend Kent against an invasion

  6. Made regent alongside Lanfranc, ruling on behalf of the king
• Odo's decline in significance

  1. Ignored William's commands and led an army to Italy in 1082

  2. Attempted a rebellion against King William Rufus in 1088, failed and was kicked out of England
• Bishop Odo was one of William's most important nobles and his half-brother
• Odo helped organize the invasion of England and took part in the Battle of Hastings
• Odo became one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in England, with land, soldiers, and even becoming a regent
• Odo helped defeat rebellions against William, particularly the 1075 revolt of the earls
• Odo and William eventually fell out, with Odo not following William's orders and not supporting him with his soldiers
• Odo fell into obscurity before his death after supporting the losing side in the succession crisis after the death of William the Conqueror