Trifter

THE Vikings! We all have the stereotype of these ancient warriors and seafarers. We see them as big, brawny men in winged helmets with huge axes, landing on our beaches to kill, pillage and rape their way across Britain. They may have been the finest amphibious soldiers of the day or were there merely traders, merchants and farmers, who had been forced out of their homelands, which had become to impoverished to support them. The Jorvik Museum in York shows the more peaceful side of our Scandinavian ancestors.

Jorvik recaptures the Viking experience. It is the authentic Viking encounter in their city of a millennium ago. Visitors can get face-to-face with our Viking ancestors. They can see them, hear them, talk to them, even smell then thanks to the work and efforts of archaeologists and other museum workers.

York began life as the northern base for the Roman Legions. It was one of the two provincial capitals of Roman Britain. Later it became on of the capitals of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumberia.

Halfdan, a leader of the Great Viking Army of 865 which had overthrown all the kingdoms of Saxon England, except Wessex, established the Viking kingdom of York. It lasted for about two centuries and the Viking Kings of York aped their Saxon contemporaries in minting coins bearing their images and names. They cooperated with the various Archbishops of York in accepting Christianity. Most of all, the rule of the Viking Kings saw the dramatic expansion of York, leading to it becoming the second largest town in England.

Archaeologists began digging in Coppergate to unearth the remains and the secrets of Viking York during the late 1970s. Now visitors can see what life was like during the Viking age. They can journey through a reconstruction of the actual Viking streets and get face-to-face with the museum’s resident Vikings. Jorvik exhibits over 800 Viking artefacts that have been unearthed from under the city.

Time capsules, a railway system whisks visitors away on a voyage of discovery. They carry people underground through time zones back to the age of the Vikings and give a running commentary in English, French, German, Japanese or Spanish on the sights, sounds and smells of the various periods. One capsule has been fitted with a hearing loop and the Trust can provide a written version of the commentary in English or Dutch.

As Jorvik is underground, health and safety reasons dictate that only one wheelchair user can be in the building at any one time. Wheelchair users must book these places in advance on 01904 543403 at no extra cost.

One major exhibition is the secret of bones. This display brings an age of life, death, accident, battle and disease to life through the examination of bones dating from the 10th and 11th Centuries.

Jorvik is owned by the Archaeological Trust, who uncovered the magnificently preserved remains of Viking Age Coppergate in the city. Income from the centre is used by the Trust to future archaeological work in the city. Other uses are the educational and training schemes, research projects and publishing the Trust’s work and results.

Special rates and packages are available for groups and school parties with joint packages for Jorvik and the neighbouring Archaeological Resource Centre.

True Norse is Jorvik’s new shop with gifts, souvenirs and treasures from the Viking World. It stocks replica Viking artefacts, runic sets, Celtic jewellery, drinking horns, Viking swords and shields, unique glassware, ceramics and the centre’s own “Made in Yorkshire” range.

Jorvik holds a series of events throughout the year. Warriors enables visitors to join the Vikings living in Coppergate and learn the skills of the warriors as they demonstrate their feared techniques. Talks on the secrets of Viking Warfare are held in the galleries.

Be a Viking shows people the life of a Viking, including the saga-telling sessions. Vikings set up their encampment in Coppergate Square to celebrate the Festival of Winter Lights during the October Winter Festival.

Art Week is an exhibition of arts and crafts that have been inspired by the craftsmanship of our Viking ancestors.

Vikings gather each year in York for the Jorvik Viking Festival, which has activities for all ages. There are longships being rowed up the River Ouse, exciting battles and the opportunity to experience the joys and rigours of Viking life.

Jorvik is open from 10:00 to 17:00 between April and October and during the Jorvik Viking Festival or 10:00 to 16:00 from November to March. It is only closed on Christmas Day.

More information on the Jorvik Centre at Coppergate can be obtained from 01904 543403.