France’s Bayeux Tapestry is set to be covered by a UK Treasury guarantee of around £800 million ($1 billion) when it goes on loan to the British Museum in 2026. That means British taxpayers will ultimately foot the bill to protect the 230-foot-long tapestry against damage or loss during its journey from France to the UK. It’s part of the UK government’s indemnity scheme, which acts as the insurer instead of paying for commercial insurance. However, nothing will be paid upfront; the £800 million is a contingent liability, only coming into play if something goes wrong. Related Articles The Treasury says the scheme has already saved UK museums about £81 million and has covered loans such as Vincent van Gogh’s The Bedroom (1888) at the National Gallery in 2024-25. UK ministers believe the risk of damage to the tapestry is very low, thanks to strict transport and display measures. The Treasury told the Financial Times it had “received an estimated valuation” of the tapestry, which has been “provisionally approved.” Sources expect the final figure to …