Centre for Lifelong Learning Online Catalogue

The 'Viking Age' represents a dramatic period in the history of early medieval Britain and Ireland. The legacy of the 'Vikings' forms an important part of the cultural heritage of the people of the British Isles. As raiders, invaders, conquerors, settlers and traders various Norwegian and Danish groups had a profound impact on the Christian kingdoms and cultures of the Britons, Irish and Anglo-Saxons. Conversely, the cultures of the British Isles influenced and shaped the history and identity of the Scandinavian groups that settled on their lands and buried their dead among them. Explore the political, social and religious impact of the 'Vikings' and their accommodation with the people of Britain and Ireland from the late 8th century until the raids of Magnus Barelegs, king of Norway in 1100. Did 'Viking' leaders and their bands arrive in the British Isles to settle, colonise and create kingdoms rather than merely raid or plunder? What were the influences of the Britons, Gaels and Anglo-Saxons on the Scandinavian incomers? How convincing is the modern image of the 'Vikings' as peaceful traders and settlers? Learn through illustrated lectures based on historical sources and recent archaeological finds.