Archaeological lectures at JORVIK Viking Festival 2014

The secrets of Lindisfarne are set to be explored as part of the 30thannual JORVIK Viking Festival, with a talk by Dr David Petts of the university of Durham’s Department of Archaeology exploring the history of the area, and unveiling the results of a series of recent investigations he has begun on the historic site.

The Helen Thirza Addyman Lecture is the keynote talk during the JORVIK Viking Festival, with celebrated archaeologists regularly welcomed to the event, which is a must-see for anyone with a professional or amateur interest in archaeology. This year’s lecture sheds new light on Lindisfarne which, despite its reputation for the stunning Gospels, has seen relatively little research into the archaeology of the monastery and Holy Island itself. Dr David Petts is director of research for archaeological services at the University of Durham, and recently commenced a new phase of research on Holy Island supported by National Geographic, which will be the subject of this year’s lecture.

“Lindisfarne is inextricably linked to the Vikings in England, as the attack on the monastery was the first part of the Viking invasion, which later saw the Norsemen settle and become traders in places like Jorvik,” explains director of attractions for York Archaeological Trust, Sarah Maltby. “Lindisfarne’s history is an earlier chapter of the story told through JORVIK Viking Centre, so it forms a wonderful foundation for anyone interested in the early medieval history of the North of England.”

Other speakers attending the 2013 JORVIK Viking Festival include:

• Dr Gareth Williams of the British Museum, exploring the symbolic role of the ship in Viking society (Saturday 15 February, 2.00pm at York Mansion House)
• Dr Steve Ashby, who will explore the manufacture and trade of personal objects in Viking York, focusing on the extraordinary life of the hair comb (Monday 17 February, 2.00pm at York Mansion House)
• Dr Turi King, who examines the genetic legacy of the Vikings in the North of England, including the background to her research project and early results (Tuesday 18 February, 2.00pm at York Mansion House)

Tickets for all of the lectures, and indeed all of the events during the JORVIK Viking Festival, are available from the Festival website (www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk) or by calling 01904 615505. Places for each lecture are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Tickets are also available for the JORVIK Viking Festival’s grand finale event at the Eye of York on Saturday 22 February. Gates open at 6.00pm, with entertainment from 6.45pm, including thrilling live battle action, sound and light effects with stunning pyrotechnics. Tickets are prices at £12.00 for adults or £9.50 for concessions, with a family ticket (up to four people) for £36.00.

ENDS

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