The Viking Age in the Borders: an archaeology of the 9-11th centuries

Abstract

• A recent reconsideration of old and new finds in the collections of National Museums Scotland has revealed an important seam of evidence for the Viking Age (9-11th centuries) from the Scottish borderlands. The Tweed may seem a world away from the boat burials of the Northern and Western Isles, but objects ranging from exotic imported dress items to silver ‘pocket change’ show that the border valleys connected the Danelaw to the Norse lordships of the north and west. This is not only the story of Scandinavian connections, however, but the last days of old Northumbria, the first royal burghs and the diverse roots of the kingdom of Scotland. The talk will feature new imagery and fresh perspectives resulting from the Glenmorangie Research Project at National Museums Scotland, in advance of the new book Crucible of Nations: Viking Age to Medieval Scotland, due out in October.