| Abstract: |
Most of these papers were given at a conference late in 1976. The introduction by P V Addyman (pp 1-3) outlines the history of research on Viking York and mentions the salient points of this volume. P H Sawyer (3-7) describes some of the sources available for Viking Northumbria (written sources and linguistic evidence), while a Northumbrian chronology for the 9th and 10th centuries is provided by A P Smyth (8-10). Some puzzles of Anglo-Scandinavian sculpture in Yorkshire have been at least partly solved by J T Lang (11-20) whose survey notes the distinctiveness, range and inventiveness of the sculptors. On the limestone pavement at Gauber High Pasture, Ribblehead, Alan King has excavated a 9th century farmstead with three buildings (interim report, 21-5). Michael Dolley (26-31), discussing the Anglo-Danish and Anglo-Norse coinages of York, clarifies some historical points and stresses York's status as an emporium. The topography of Anglo-Scandinavian York is considered by R A Hall (31-6), particularly as regards the extent of the influence of Roman features on subsequent development. A long and detailed survey of industry and commerce is provided by Arthur MacGregor (37-57); steatite, Mayen lava, honestones, pottery, ivory and silk were traded, while manufacturing industries in York included amber and jet, glass, metals, stone, bone and antler, wood, leather, and textiles. The rich variety of environmental evidence - vegetation, agriculture, effects of human activity etc - is treated by H K Kenward and five others (58-70). |
