Jorvik Viking Centre, York and ARC
York
The Jorvik Viking Centre was opened in 1984 by the York Archaeological Trust (YAT), and was extensively redesigned to emerge as simply JORVIK in 2001. The visitor centre was built on the site of the Coppergate excavations of 1976-81 and consists of a reconstruction of part of the city buildings, built on the foundations excavated by the archaeologists. These excavations were exceptional, producing five tonnes of animal bone, a quarter of a million pieces of pottery, 10 tonnes of timber, and 20,000 other artefacts, many of rarely-found leather and fabric. The reconstruction represents the town planning of 973 when York was part of the new Kingdom of England. JORVIK is funded by the many paying visitors and is a prime tourist destination. School groups are charged for visits to both JORVIK and its sister site the ARC.
The visitors are transported in time capsules around the commercial heart of the tenth century city, gliding a few inches above rubbish from the arterial River Foss over backyards and up to the street of Coppergate. This area of the city was devoted to craft industries, fully illustrated in the reconstruction of buildings and their inhabitants. Even sounds and smells have been replicated. The time trip leads into a short section devoted to the excavations and visitors then leave the capsules to explore the activity and display space, where re-enactors provide glimpses into life at the time. A display of finds from the excavations uses modern technology to place the artefacts in their context of human use and production. An education pack is available including resource kits on arts and crafts, Viking life and costume. AK
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