York, England’s northernmost city, has a vibrant and intriguing history that spans two thousand years. One particularly significant era was the Viking Age when York was under their rule for over one hundred years. Nowadays, visitors to York can explore this remarkable legacy through various attractions and landmarks. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at York’s Viking legacy and why it should be visited by anyone interested in Scandinavian culture.
The Viking Age in York began during the 9th century when Ivar the Boneless led a Viking army into the city and quickly established himself as its capital. York, or Jorvik as it was known at that time, quickly developed into an important commercial center and home to an important Viking community.
Discover York’s Viking heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Built on the site of a former settlement, this museum brings the age to life with interactive exhibits that bring it all to life. Visitors can take an exciting ride through a recreated village complete with animatronic characters and authentic smells and sounds of that time. Additionally, visitors will find numerous artifacts from Viking times like jewelry, pottery, and tools on display at Jorvik Viking Centre.
York Minster, an iconic landmark dating back over 1,000 years, is a must-visit attraction. This majestic cathedral has an intriguing connection to the Vikings; during their invasions of Anglo-Saxon churches during the Viking Age, they were destroyed and replaced with Viking-style structures – remnants of which can still be seen today in its stonework and architecture.
Another popular attraction in York is Barley Hall, a restored medieval townhouse that offers an insight into life during the Viking Age. Once owned by a wealthy merchant, it has been meticulously restored with period furniture and decor. Visitors can take guided tours of this unique structure and gain more knowledge about York’s Viking past.
Outdoor enthusiasts should explore York’s Viking legacy by taking a walk along its city walls. Built in the 14th century, these walls stand on foundations of an earlier Viking wall and offer breathtaking panoramic views while learning more about York’s Viking past.
Finally, a visit to the Yorkshire Museum is an absolute must for those interested in Viking history. Here you’ll find an array of artifacts from Viking times – weapons, jewelry and household items – as well as information about York’s Viking settlers and how they shaped its development over centuries. Of particular note is The York Helmet: an 8th or 9th century helmet displayed for visitors’ viewing pleasure.
Finally, York is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Viking history. With attractions and landmarks like Jorvik Viking Centre, York Minster, Barley Hall and city walls to explore its vibrant legacy, York’s Viking past comes alive. Furthermore, The Yorkshire Museum serves as an invaluable resource for those researching artifacts from this period in English history. By immersing themselves in York’s vibrant Viking past, visitors will gain a better insight into this remarkable period of English culture.