The Coppergate Dig
Everything in JORVIK is based on archaeological evidence unearthed during the Coppergate excavations undertaken between 1979–81 by York Archaeological Trust.
York Archaeological Trust is an independent charity, founded in 1972, which investigates the past for the benefit of present communities and future generations.
Linking professional skills and archaeological expertise with broadly based background knowledge and experience, it carries out carefully targeted and cost effective archaeological recording, excavation and research for a broad range of clients and partners. The results are made available in a number of innovative and dynamic ways.
For further information on York Archaeological Trust visit our website at http://www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk
Archaeologists started digging on the site of an old sweet factory in Coppergate and unearthed remains of 10th century Viking-age buildings that were surrounded by moist, spongy layers of earth similar to that of a peat bog.
These damp conditions helped preserve
everyday Viking items such as wood, leather, cloth, bugs and even a Viking toilet
and its contents.
In total an incredible 40,000 objects were uncovered from 36000 layers and sieving
8 tonnes of soil!
When the extent and importance of the discoveries at Coppergate was realised, plans were made to allow permanent display of the remains of Jorvik within the area which had been excavated.
York Archaeological Trust borrowed sufficient funds to create and build the Jorvik Viking Centre which opened to the public in April 1984.
The income from the Jorvik Viking Centre was intended to allow York Archaeological Trust to continue its work of archaeological excavation and research, and to disseminate its findings both to the general public and the academic community.
2001 Refurbishment
Behind the scenes at York Archaeological Trust, archaeologists and specialists from many countries carried out research on the wealth of detail recovered from the excavations. This research enabled the Trust to re-create more of what had been discovered, and so with a £5million refurbishment, the JORVIK Viking Centre re-opened its doors in April 2001.
JORVIK now tells you more than ever before! You can get face-to-face with our 'Viking' staff and discover what life was really like here over 1000 years ago, as well as see over 800 of the everyday Viking items which were uncovered on this very site!
At JORVIK you will also journey through a reconstruction of the actual Viking-Age streets which once stood on this site, still with sounds and smells! The houses and shops are laid out in exactly the same pattern as they were at 5.30pm, 25th October, AD975, and even the faces of the people you see have been reconstructed from Viking skulls.