Royal Mail today revealed images of eight new stamps that celebrate the history, impact and legacy of Vikings in Britain and mark 40 years since the Jorvik Viking Centre opened in York.
Featuring striking images, the stamps showcase Viking artefacts and locations of significance from around the UK, and include:
• An iron, silver and copper sword;
• A silver penny minted in York;
• Silver penannular brooch, Penrith, Cumbria;
• Lindisfarne Priory in Northumberland;
• Norse settlement remains in Jarlshof, Shetland;
• an antler comb and case from Coppergate, York;
• Gilded bronze brooch, Pitney, Somerset;
• A Hogback gravestone from Govan Old, Glasgow.
The Coppergate Dig that began in May 1976, led directly to the creation on the excavation site of the Jorvik Viking Centre, to showcase the finds and recreate the urban landscape of Viking Age York – including its sounds and smells – all based on detailed research.
When it opened, the Centre made a global impact. It showed that the Viking world was based on more than violence, and told a complex story of settlement, manufacture and trade.
Opening in 1984, Jorvik welcomed 900,000 people during its first year of operation. Over the intervening decades, and after three updates, the Centre has entertained and interacted with over 20 million visitors, including many children.
In addition to the team at the Jorvik Viking Centre, Royal Mail also worked closely with Dr Gareth Williams, curator at the British Museum and Thomas Williams, author of Viking Britain and Viking London, and previously also a curator at the British Museum.
David Jennings, chief executive of York Archaeology, the charity that operates Jorvik Viking Centre, said: “The finds at Coppergate fundamentally changed our understanding of how the Vikings lived in England, and Jorvik Viking Centre put York’s Norse heritage on the international map. After over 40 years, and with over 20 million visitors passing through our doors, it is a real honour to be featured on these stamps and be part of this unique celebration of Viking culture.”
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today (Thursday, February 15) at www.royalmail.com/vikingbritain and by telephone on 03457 641 641.
A Presentation Pack including all eight stamps in the set is priced at £13.80. The stamps go on general sale on Tuesday, February 20.
