New postage stamps celebrate the UK's Viking heritage

To commemorate the rich Viking heritage of the UK and mark the 40th anniversary of the JORVIK Viking Centre in York, the Royal Mail has issued a series of commemorative stamps featuring Norse artifacts and locations around the country.

The stamps are already available for pre-order and will go on general sale to the public from February 20. 

This unique stamp collection features a selection of Norse artifacts, including swords and brooches, and significant Viking locations across the UK. Photo: Royal Mail

Swords, combs and brooches 

Echoing a line from the Monty Python film Life of Brian, David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy at JORVIK, said: 

"If anyone was to ask, 'What did the Vikings ever do for us?' the answer is that they transformed Britain and left an enduring influence on the languages, economy, society and political geography of the UK forever." 

"Their impact was enormous and cannot be overlooked. We hope these stamps will inspire people to explore this fascinating period in Britain's history further." 

Royal Mail has issued eight new stamps in all, focusing on the history, impact, and legacy of the Vikings in Britain. These 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 stamp collection, developed in collaboration with experts from the British Museum, features items such as an antler comb and case from Coppergate, York, to highlight aspects of everyday Viking life. Photo: Royal Mail

It all began in York 

The Coppergate Dig that began in May 1976 led directly to the creation of 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. 

After opening in 1984, the JORVIK Centre welcomed 900,000 visitors during its first year. 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 a curator at the British Museum. 

The stamps are set for general release on February 20, allowing philatelists and history enthusiasts alike to own a piece of Britain's Viking past. Photo: Royal Mail

Vikings in Britain 

The Vikings first made their presence felt with early raids targeting Christian monasteries and coastal communities. 

By the mid-800s, these incursions had evolved into large-scale invasions that tore up the traditional patchwork of small independent kingdoms. 

The subsequent waves of migration, settlement, and conquest by the Vikings not only transformed Britain but also led to significant cultural exchanges. 

By the early 11th century, kings and earls of Danish and Norwegian heritage ruled all of England and large parts of Scotland and exerted influence over the Irish Sea. 

Although the Viking Age ultimately ended with the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Norse influence continues to this day. 

David Jennings, Chief Executive of York Archaeology, the charity that operates the JORVIK Viking Centre, commented: 

"The finds at Coppergate fundamentally changed our understanding of how the Vikings lived in England, and the 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 honor to be featured on these stamps and be part of this unique celebration of Viking culture." 

The stamps and a range of collectible products can be ordered from Royal Mail. A Presentation Pack including all eight stamps in the set is priced at GBP 13.80.

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