The Vikings of Yorkshire: A Look To The Past

Throughout the centuries, England has seen its fair share of transformations that ultimately shaped the country in a way that’s found its way into history books and theatrical plays. In the heart of the country is Yorkshire, named ‘God’s own county’ by those who reside there. Biased or not, one thing is clear: Yorkshire itself has a history worthy of storytelling, and in this article, we’ll be looking deep into the past and exploring the Vikings of Yorkshire.

When did Vikings invade England?

793 A.D. was a turning point for the Vikings, as they set sail for pastures new in the hope of finding riches and trade points beyond their own shores. The first documented Viking invasion was in 793 A.D. in Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island), on the northeast coast of England. From there, the Vikings would expand their reign as they conquered new lands and learned more about Christianity and the Anglo-Saxons who arrived centuries before.

Viking Influences

The distinct appearance and way of life of the Vikings have long influenced movies and media collateral. Viking influence is so wide, that even online casinos have released several Viking-themed casino slots, combing mythology and intrigue to an unexpected audience. Such games include Viking Runecraft and Ring Of Odin, which are growing in popularity due to the fact they are often accompanied by free spins and no-deposit bonuses. So, it seems the Vikings left a real legacy – but how can this be seen in Yorkshire?

Did the Vikings leave their mark in Yorkshire?

866 A.D. would see Vikings making their way through Northern England and eventually reaching the city of York. Their invasion was a success, and the fall of East Anglia and Merica would soon follow years after. What was once an Anglo-Saxon town would now be the new capital city for Vikings under the new Danelaw. York, as we know it today, would be named Jorvik, and would be referred to as the Viking capital city.

The Vikings have long gone, but their culture, way of living and dominance across England can still be seen and felt today, particularly in Yorkshire. The popular Jorvik Viking Centre in the centre of York is an immersive ride that allows the public to travel back in time and experience the city during the Viking reign, understanding their way of life and how their foreign and familiar traditions shaped the landscape. The Jorvik Viking Centre also includes a museum, displaying real, authentic Viking memorabilia that are still being discovered in nearby dig sites today.

There are also places in Yorkshire with names inspired by the Old Norse language. For example, the ‘thwaite’ in Slathwaite (Huddersfield, West Yorkshire) was the name for a woodland clearing. The ‘by’ in the popular seaside town, Whitby, means farmstead or village settlement. So, plenty of Viking influences remain throughout the county.

Yorkshire has plenty to offer today, but its deep-rooted past encompassed by history and mythology is a topic not to be dismissed. Even now, we can still feel and experience the lives of the Vikings that came to our shores, and how Yorkshire had a big part to play in their future in England.