Small Sleuths Required for an Evening of Revolting History in York!
York St Mary's, Saturday 6 August 2016
Lost ‘penningers’ – Viking age currency – are the inspiration for a new fundraising initiative from Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, when young amateur investigators are invited to join the hunt for Floki’s stolen loot in aid of the JORVIK Viking Centre’s #CampaignCanute.
The evening of investigations will take place in JORVIK Viking Centre’s temporary home in York St Mary’s on Saturday 6th August. Aimed at children between five and twelve years old, and supported in their exploits by Terry Deary himself, the amateur investigators will be whisked back to Viking-Age York to uncover the secret hiding spots of the pickpocket and reclaim local merchant Floki’s coins. However, this will involve digging into the more unpleasant side of living in Viking York.
“From making a lice-covered bushy beard to searching through the remains of the cesspit, we are offering our visitors a truly horrid history experience that is both fun and educational. Although it might not look like it, the tasks the children undertake are similar to those that modern-day archaeologists use to interpret the past,” comments Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions at York Archaeological Trust, the owners of JORVIK Viking Centre.
Indeed, participants will be fully immersed in the Viking world, having to sift through all manner of waste left behind by the Vikings - even poo – in this revolting historical happening! They will also go undercover to search out their suspect, with new Viking names and a bearded disguise needed to blend into their surroundings, under the watchful gaze of the JORVIK Vikings.
As an added bonus, all successful sleuths will get one-on-one time with Terry Deary, who will give each child’s a signed copy of one of his Horrible Histories books, generously donated by publisher, Scholastic.
“We’re delighted that Terry Deary is supporting JORVIK Viking Centre and #CampaignCanute; as author of Horrible Histories since it began in 1993, no one knows more foul facts about the vicious Vikings.”
Said Elizabeth Scoggins, Scholastic Publisher, Non fiction”
This event is the latest fundraising event for #CampaignCanute, which is hoping to raise £500,000 to help the continued re-imagining of JORVIK Viking Centre following the flooding of the famous attraction in December 2015.
“We have been overwhelmed with support from partners across the city and indeed the world this year. We would like to give special thanks to Terry Deary and Scholastic for their generous offer of free Horrible Histories books for this event and to our ticketing partner, DigiTickets who are making it easier for our visitors to get hold of their tickets for this event online,” continues Sarah.
The Revolting Vikings of JORVIK with Horrible Histories Terry Deary takes place at Jorvik: Home and Abroad, Coppergate on Saturday 6th August between 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are £10 per child, including 1 accompanying adult. Pre-booking is essential as tickets will not be available on the door. For more information and to book visit www.thejorvikgroup.com/tickets or call 01904 615505.
ENDS
Photo Caption: L-R Ragnar (Nathan Wade) and Floki (Matthew Lester) are on the hunt for the coin thief at this special JORVIK event
About the flooding at JORVIK Viking Centre and #CampaignCanute
JORVIK Viking Centre closed on the 27th December 2015, when water from the flooded River Foss penetrated the building, resulting in up to a metre of water in some parts of the recreation of Viking-age York. Pictures from the flooding were broadcast around the world, with messages of support coming from all corners of the globe.
All of the artefacts from the Viking Centre were recovered to a safe and secure location before the main incursion of the water.
York Archaeological Trust is currently working with its insurers to determine the process for restoration of the attraction and to establish a timescale for relaunch. Alongside this the Trust is aiming to raise an additional £500,000 to add new and exciting technological and experience-driven elements to the new JORVIK, helping to re-imagine JORVIK Viking Centre for the 21st Century.
The name given to this fundraising initiative is #CampaignCanute. Named after the Viking king of England who is most well-known for his failed attempt to hold back the waves, it was seen as an apt reminder of this Norse monarch, who claimed the English throne in 1016. Making this the millennial celebration of his coronation.
More information on #CampaignCanute can be found at www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/canute..
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