Viking Exhibition and Danelaw Saga
Many treasures that were taken by the Vikings were kept and reused; this beautiful bowl made by the monks in a Northumberland monastery is decorated with religious scenes. It was discovered in the grave of a Viking man who had used it as a drinking cup.
Standing Stone Crosses were used in place of Churches in certain parts of Britain - where people gathered to pray. They were carved and painted in bright colours - which haven't survived the test of time. The pattern on this one is a Twisted Vine and refers to the Gospel of St John.
The York Helmet is the best surviving example of its kind in Europe. It was expertly made using iron and brass, and the intricate carvings of animals on the nose piece, shows just how skillful they were. The inscription across the top is a dedication to their God. The helmet belonged to OSHERE, "A Warrior of the Royal House of Os" - perhaps a member of a royal family in the north of England.
This display case is part of The Watlington Hoard which was only discovered in 2015; consisting of approximately 200 silver coins, silver ingots, arm-rings and neck-rings. This hoard was probably hidden by a member of the Viking Great Army, when they moved through Oxfordshire in about 879 AD. There were also coins from King Alfred the Great of Wessex and Ceowulf II of Mercia, showing the two rulers having an alliance with each other, and the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia - the only parts of Britain that successfully resisted the Viking Army.
This is part of the Vale of York Hoard, and represents one of the most significant Viking discoveries ever made in Britain; it was only found in 2007, and comprises of 617 coins and 68 pieces of gold and silver jewellery. The silver gilt cup was made a long time before the hoard was buried, probably in an area of France or Germany, for a wealthy monastery. It may have been looted by raiding Vikings or given to them as a tribute or part of a ransom.
In Britain and Scandinavia, people wore shoes and boots out of leather that was cut into shape, moulded and stitched together inside out and then turned the right way around - so the seams were on the inside; they were very professionally done even all of those years ago.
I just loved this walrus tooth gaming piece; it was probably owned by a merchant travelling from Norway to Ireland. It is part of a chess set that was found in Scotland's Western Isles but was more than likely made in Norway. In the 12th century, the Western Isles was part of the Kingdom of Norway, and there are still many connections to Scandinavia that can be found even now throughout Scotland.
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The next part of is in The Weston Gallery of Nottingham University - called The Danelaw Saga. It tells how the Vikings came to the East Midlands and what impact they had on the area, the people, the economy and much more. It is a free exhibition and on until April 2018. Enjoy reading..............
There are also talks, workshops and many other events over the coming months for all ages to get involved in - some are free and some need booking and paying for.
Follow a wander around Nottingham University to see two unique exhibitions that explore Britain's exciting Viking past. The first section is in the Djanology Gallery - put together by the University of Nottingham Museum and its Centre for the Study of the Viking Age; is an exhibition that is touring Britain. There are many interpretation boards and exhibits explaining what it was like to be a Viking, about their history and their lives. Some of the items on show are from York Museum and the British Museum, and show a different side to Vikings; and include some of the most famous Viking hoards ever discovered here. They did shape Britain as well as much of Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East; conquering and settling all over these countries, influencing their language, politics, customs and so much more.
I did have to sit in this and feel what it was like to row a Long Boat!
Viking raiders often took prisoners who became their slaves. This carving shows a warrior with a female hostage who was probably forced to return to the capture's homeland.
Many treasures that were taken by the Vikings were kept and reused; this beautiful bowl made by the monks in a Northumberland monastery is decorated with religious scenes. It was discovered in the grave of a Viking man who had used it as a drinking cup.
Standing Stone Crosses were used in place of Churches in certain parts of Britain - where people gathered to pray. They were carved and painted in bright colours - which haven't survived the test of time. The pattern on this one is a Twisted Vine and refers to the Gospel of St John.
The York Helmet is the best surviving example of its kind in Europe. It was expertly made using iron and brass, and the intricate carvings of animals on the nose piece, shows just how skillful they were. The inscription across the top is a dedication to their God. The helmet belonged to OSHERE, "A Warrior of the Royal House of Os" - perhaps a member of a royal family in the north of England.
This display case is part of The Watlington Hoard which was only discovered in 2015; consisting of approximately 200 silver coins, silver ingots, arm-rings and neck-rings. This hoard was probably hidden by a member of the Viking Great Army, when they moved through Oxfordshire in about 879 AD. There were also coins from King Alfred the Great of Wessex and Ceowulf II of Mercia, showing the two rulers having an alliance with each other, and the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia - the only parts of Britain that successfully resisted the Viking Army.
This is part of the Vale of York Hoard, and represents one of the most significant Viking discoveries ever made in Britain; it was only found in 2007, and comprises of 617 coins and 68 pieces of gold and silver jewellery. The silver gilt cup was made a long time before the hoard was buried, probably in an area of France or Germany, for a wealthy monastery. It may have been looted by raiding Vikings or given to them as a tribute or part of a ransom.
In Britain and Scandinavia, people wore shoes and boots out of leather that was cut into shape, moulded and stitched together inside out and then turned the right way around - so the seams were on the inside; they were very professionally done even all of those years ago.
Scandinavian traders carried balance sets and weights on their travels with them to measure silver coins, ingots and bullion.
I just loved this walrus tooth gaming piece; it was probably owned by a merchant travelling from Norway to Ireland. It is part of a chess set that was found in Scotland's Western Isles but was more than likely made in Norway. In the 12th century, the Western Isles was part of the Kingdom of Norway, and there are still many connections to Scandinavia that can be found even now throughout Scotland.
*******************************************************************************
The next part of is in The Weston Gallery of Nottingham University - called The Danelaw Saga. It tells how the Vikings came to the East Midlands and what impact they had on the area, the people, the economy and much more. It is a free exhibition and on until April 2018. Enjoy reading..............
There are also talks, workshops and many other events over the coming months for all ages to get involved in - some are free and some need booking and paying for.
If you have read some of the above information boards, you will know more about the Vikings than you did at the beginning. I hope you enjoyed this rather different blog!
Lynne
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