What is a biased source?

If a source has a bias, it means that the author of it had a personal interest in the subject they were writing about.  We will take the Bayeux tapestry as an example.  In 1066 there was a battle for the crown of England between Harold, and Englishman, and William, a Frenchman.  This was known as the Battle of Hastings.  The Bayeux tapestry is a French depiction of the events leading up to the battle, and the battle itself.  It clearly shows that William was the rightful king because it was a biased source (remember that William was French and the tapestry is French).  Any English source from the time would argue that Harold was the rightful king, because they would also be biased.

EW
Answered by Elizabeth W. History tutor

17493 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Study the Source "They Salute with Both Hands Now". What is the cartoonist's message?


How should I go about explaining how reliable a source is?


Analyse the causes of the First World War


How can I structure my argument to get full marks in an 8 mark question?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning