London's Bayeux Tapestry exhibition opened on Thursday to a British public gripped by "mania" over the medieval artwork depicting the Norman conquest of England, on display outside France for the first time.

Excited visitors who had tickets for the first day of the sold-out exhibition queued outside the British Museum ahead of the opening, where some staff had donned period costumes.

"It is back here for the first time in 950 years!" 46-year-old Catherine Pitt said in the queue outside the museum entrance.

"It is like a big bang moment in our history," she added.

The unprecedented loan from France, the result of years of diplomacy and set to last until next July, has been hailed as a symbol of renewed cross-Channel ties following the rancour of Brexit.

Depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings and the invasion by William the Conqueror's Norman army, the 70-metre-long tapestry has shadowy origins.

It is widely thought to have been made in England almost 1,000 years ago before being transferred to Bayeux in France.

"I am amazed it is in such a good condition. It has survived all these years," retiree John Heys, 74, told AFP after seeing the exhibition.

Fifty-two-year-old Jenny said it was "moving", perusing the museum shop stocked with tapestry-themed mugs, dish towels and puzzles.

"It is quite brutal. It is real people in a battle, with death on both sides," she added, not wanting to share her last name.

The British Museum has so far sold a record 100,000 tickets, which cost £25-£33 (US$34-US$45) for adults. (AFP)



Edited by Raymond Yeung