Thousands of Bayeux Tapestry visitors ‘evacuated’ from British Museum

Around 3,700 visitors were evacuated from the British Museum in London on 18 September after a fire alarm was triggered by an overheating light, leaving many Bayeux Tapestry ticketholders disappointed after waiting hours in lengthy queues.

Thousands of visitors queuing to view the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London were left disheartened after the major attraction was evacuated.

The London Fire Brigade reported that a suspected fire prompted the evacuation following reports of smoke at approximately 7.27pm this evening (September 18).

The smoke originated from one of the galleries, not thought to contain the Bayeux Tapestry, but triggered fire alarms and led to the site being cleared, reports the Daily Star.

Fire Brigade officials believe the smoke came from an “overheating light” as roughly 3,700 people were required to exit the premises. The all-clear was issued an hour afterwards once fire crews had examined the building.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman stated: “Crews carried out a systematic search of the building to identify the source of the smoke, which is believed to have been caused by an overheating light.

“Around 3,700 people evacuated the building before firefighters arrived.

“The incident was over for firefighters at 19.27pm, when responsibility for the site was handed back to the building’s management team.”

Numerous visitors had allegedly queued for two hours to gain entry to the British Museum today, with the Bayeux Tapestry drawing larger crowds than normal.

Many turned to social media to express their frustration at the unfortunate episode. One visitor wrote: “Hope everyone’s ok @britishmuseum after the evacuation for a fire alarm. Disappointing for those of who spent an hour and forty minutes after our ticketed time queuing to see the Bayeux Tapestry to get to reach it, and then were told to leave”.

A second frustrated visitor added: “1.5hrs in a queue and now just evacuated from Bayeux Tapestry and British Museum. Soo upset! !”.

While a third recalled: “I was at the British Museum when they started shouting “Emergency!” and “Fire!” and hustled us all outside…! !”

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