WHERE TO SEE KEY DARK AGES SITES
1. Wansdyke Wiltshire and Somerset Its name associated with the pagan god Woden (Woden’s Dyke), sections of this earthwork stretch for 56km through the West Country. In some places the bank is 4m high and the ditch over eight feet deep, and it may have been built both to defend territory and control trade and transport in the region.
4. Jorvik Viking Centre Yorkshire
Following the discovery of timber buildings, workshops, privies, pits, pottery, metalwork and bones from Viking Age York, the Jorvik Viking Centre was established 1984. Travel back in time to experience the sights, smells and sounds of the town. £11. Open daily. York, YO1 9WT. 01904 615505, jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk
8. Maldon Essex
Down on the Blackwater Estuary, this is the site of a famous battle fought between the AngloSaxons and Vikings in 991 AD, commemorated in the Old English poem, The Battle of Maldon. The Anglo-Saxons lost, but the poem is embedded in the physical landscape, and clearly written by someone who knew the area and its inhabitants.
2. Gosforth Cross Cumbria
Dating to the 900s, the Gosforth Cross stands in St Mary’s churchyard. It blends Christian imagery – such as the crucifixion of Christ – with images of pagan Norse gods: Loki bound and tortured, Thor wrestling the Midgard Serpent, Vidar forcing apart the jaws of the monstrous wolf Fenrir. Open daily. Gosforth, CA20 1AZ.
7. Lindisfarne Priory Northumberland
The priory on the tidal island of Lindisfarne was an important Christian centre from the 6th century, home to the Lindisfarne Gospels. In 793 AD It saw the first major Viking raid, sending shockwaves through Europe. £6.80. Open daily. TD15 2RX. 01289 389200, english-heritage. org.uk/visit/places/lindisfarne-priory
10. St Gregory’s Minster Yorkshire
This late Anglo-Saxon church has a sundial with an inscription that begins “Orm, son of Gamal, bought St Gregory’s Minster when it was all ruined and collapsed…” ‘Orm’ and ‘Gamal’ are Norse names, although the inscription is written in Old English, suggesting they assimilated into the local culture. Kirkdale, YO62 7HF.
3. Sutton Hoo Suffolk
The most famous Anglo-Saxon site, including a sumptuous 7th-century ship burial mound. The powerful King Raedwald of East Anglia is thought to be the occupant. Finds here include the famous Sutton Hoo helmet (British Museum). £9.80. Open daily. Woodbridge, IP12 3DJ. 01394389700, nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo
6. Jarrow Hall Northumberland
Discover the life of 8th-century monk and chronicler, Bede, who lived at Jarrow monastery. Here you can walk around the reconstructed village and farm, visit the rare-breed animals, and explore the nearby ruins of the Anglo-Saxon monastery. £5, Open Tues to Sun. Jarrow NE32 3DY. 0191 424 1585, jarrowhall.org.uk
11. Alfred the Great’s Walls, Wareham Dorset
During King Alfred’s struggles against the Vikings in the late 9th century, Wareham became one of his fortified towns, surrounded by defensive earthworks that can still be seen (and walked along) today. Fortified towns were key to Alfred’s ultimate success. Wareham, BH20 4AG.