28/01/2016 - Permalink

The Vikings are coming to Shrewsbury… and they’re nearly here!

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage

Valhalla Shrewsbury Museum4sAn exciting exhibition that brings together key Viking burial findings, objects that explore everyday life in Britain 1,000 years ago, and the latest archaeological research techniques opens at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery next month (Monday 8 February 2016), and runs until 5 June.

‘Valhalla – Life and Death in Viking Britain’ is a touring exhibition by The JORVIK Group and York Archaeological Trust. This will be the first time that it has left York – and Shrewsbury is its first destination.

With the Jorvik Viking Centre in York currently closed until further notice due to flooding, this exhibition offers people a fantastic opportunity to see some Viking artefacts – and to see them on their doorstep.

Visitors to the exhibition – which is sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors – will be able to:

  • Discover significant artefacts from excavations in York, including two Viking-age skeletons that were recently unearthed in the city.
  • Learn how remains found in excavations can reveal the way Vikings commemorated and celebrated their dead using pagan boat burials, grave goods and ornately carved headstones.
  • Explore evidence from York and Shropshire, including the burials of a woman and a man and objects that relate to everyday life in Viking-age Britain.
  • Experience a special hands-on children’s area the world where puppetry and play encourages you to find out about Norse myths and sagas.

As well as examining aspects of life in Viking-Age Shropshire the exhibition includes an interactive area for young visitors who can discover the sagas and tales of the Viking Gods, as well as being able to write their name in runes and create their own Viking God.

The learning team at Shropshire Council’s museums service will be offering a schools’ workshop session to help children explore Shropshire’s Viking history. This hands-on artefact enquiry session, involving costume and role-play, will help children to discover who the raiders were, why they came, how they fought and what they believed.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“I’m delighted that the Valhalla exhibition is coming to Shrewsbury on its first ever excursion from its home in York.

“It’s very sad that the Jorvik Viking Centre has been forced to close following the recent floods, but we’re grateful that the Valhalla exhibition was stored elsewhere, and I’m really pleased that we can offer Viking fans an alternative location to see some fantastic and fascinating Viking artefacts.

“This exhibition will offer something for people of all ages and I hope people will take this opportunity to come and see it.”

‘Valhalla – Life and Death in Viking Age Britain opens on 8 February 2016 and runs until 5 June 2016. It will be open from 10am to 4.30pm every day until Easter. Please check the Museum website for opening times after Easter.

For further information about schools’ workshop, or to book, ring 01743 258881 or email museumeducation@shropshire.gov.uk. You’ll need to book a place in advance.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is owned and managed by Shropshire Council.

For more information visit www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk

Further information