Jorvik Viking Centre – My Top Ten Heritage Sites – Number 2
Jorvik Viking Centre
Unfortunately due to Covid 19 I’ve been unable to visit a lot of the sites in my Top Ten so have been unable to write any blog posts about them.
However, I did visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and the Jorvik Viking festival last February, just before the first lockdown.
I haven’t yet shared those photos, so, given it’s unlikely that I will be able to visit Jorvik any time soon, I’m going to share them now.
My trip to York and the Jorvik Viking Festival
This trip was going to be a test of all the fitness training I’d put in. It was only the 2nd trip I’d been on since working with my trainer on my mobility and I was a little worried that all the walking might be too much for me.
I arrived early and made my way into central York, popping into a couple of shops along the way.
So that I didn’t get too tired and miss out, I went straight to the Jorvik Viking Centre and joined the queue.
Jorvik Viking Centre
I had to stand for about 1 hour, but finally made it inside. I wouldn’t have been able to do that before, but I did have to ask for a chair once I’d got inside, so that I could rest.
The Excavation
In 1972 archaeological digs took place on the Pavement/Coppergate in York. This area had 9m of deposits which is very unusual.
Those layers were very moist and peaty which allowed the preservation of timber, textiles and leather. The conditions also preserved seeds, plants, bones and pollen. Such a vast array of archaeological material is rare as it normally rots away.
Extensive remains and material was found, showing that Jorvik was a large and important trading city. It allowed researchers to learn how people lived and worked, what they ate and how they spent their time.
The next question was how could all this material be showcased and conveyed to visitors in the best way.
The Re-construction
The York Archaeological Trust wanted to create a heritage experience that was as unique as the artefacts. They wanted to bring the material to life and create something that was almost like a film set. Visitors would travel round the experience in cars, an innovative and captivating experience.
Before entering that main part of the experience, visitors are able to views displays about the excavations. You are even able to walk around/over some of the houses, which are displayed under a glass floor. This allows you to experience how large/small the houses were and a part of the street plan.
The Ride
Then you move on to the cars that take your through the reconstructed village. Different trades are depicted, with animated mannequins showing how the people would have lived. Areas that are covered include fishing, dyeing, slaves, magic and spirituality and food production.
To enhance the experience the mannequins ‘speak’ and talk about their particular specialisation. Particular smells relating to the specific areas are also used to make the experience even more authentic.
The Display Section
Once you’re through that section, there is a display section showcasing some of the finds that were discovered on the excavation, including a fossilised Viking ‘poo’ which causes great hilarity amongst a lot of the younger visitors.
At the beginning, outside the attraction, and strategically placed throughout, costumed staff help guide visitors and answer questions. They’re not a totally living history set up or ‘first person’ re-enactment like the costumed interpreters at the Irish Life Viking Adventure that I was involved with in Dublin.
This is due to having to deal with 21 century equipment and safety requirements. However they are dressed in viking outfits, take on viking names and talk about the period knowledgeably to visitors.
Jorvik Viking Festival
I’d timed my visit to Jorvik Viking Centre to be during the Jorvik Viking Festival so there were lots of re-enactors wandering around in Viking costume, with swords, shields and spears. There were also lots of stands, both inside and out, selling replica Viking jewellery, drinking horns and other Viking goods.
Shopping (well I am a girl 🙂 )
Deciding what to buy proved very hard as there was so much choice, but in the end I bought a new Viking kirtle (dress), a drinking horn, horn spoon, some glass beads and some leather thonging to thread them on. I could have spent sooooooo much more 🙂
‘The Vikings are coming!’
There were due to be other events such as a living history event with Viking tents and crafts people demonstrating crafts such as metal and leather work. There was also due to be a staged fight, but because the weather was so wet and cold, these were cancelled and the Viking re-enactors just did a march through the streets, which proved very dramatic.
The story behind my short film What did you do in the war Grandad?
Tips to help you make short films on a budget.
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