Royal Mail launches new stamps in tribute to Vikings featuring Northumberland castle

The Royal Mail has today shared the first images of eight new stamps which celebrate Viking history, impact and legacy – with a popular Northumberland island featured. The collection also marks the 40-year anniversary of the JORVIK Viking Centre opening in York.

Featuring an array of striking images, the stamps showcase Viking artefacts – as well as locations of significance across the UK, from Lindisfarne Priory in Northumberland, to a map of Penrith, Cumbria.

Also included are an iron, silver and copper sword on top of Temple, London, a silver penny minted in York, silver and bronze brooches, Norse settlement remains in Jarlshof, Shetland, an antler comb and copper case from Coppergate, York, and a Hogback gravestone from Govan Old, Glasgow.

The Vikings were seaborne adventurers from Scandinavia, whose activities on the British Isles from the eight century onward changed the language and landscape of our country. Early raids targeted Christian monasteries and coastal communities, but by the mid-9th century, incursions had evolved into large-scale invasions which tarnished the traditional patchwork of independent kingdoms.

Waves of migration, settlement and conquest followed on, transforming Britain, and by the early 11th century, kings and earls of Danish and Norwegian descent ruled the totality of England, as well as large parts of Scotland. They also dominated the Irish Sea.

The Lindisfarne Priory stamp

The Coppergate Dig of May 1976 led directly to the creation of the JORVIK Viking Centre, which showcases the finds and urban landscape of Viking-age York – based on detailed research. Upon opening in April 1984, the centre made a global impact – showing that the Viking world was based on more than violence, while telling a complex story of settlement, manufacture and trade.

Around 900,000 people were welcomed during the museum’s first year of operations, with more than 20 million visitors over the intervening decades and updates to the centre. Royal Mail worked closely with the centre, as well as Dr Gareth Williams – curator at the British Museum – and Thomas Williams, author of Viking Britain and Viking London on the new stamp project.

Director of External Affairs and Policy, David Gold, said: “If anyone was to ask ‘what did the Vikings ever do for us?’ the answer is that they transformed Britain and left an enduring influence on the languages, economy, society and political geography of the UK forever. Their impact was enormous and cannot be overlooked.

“We hope these stamps will inspire people to explore this fascinating period in Britain’s history further.”

David Jennings, Chief Executive of York Archaeology, the charity that operates JORVIK Viking Centre, added: “The finds at Coppergate fundamentally changed our understanding of how the Vikings lived in England, and JORVIK Viking Centre put York’s Norse heritage on the international map. After over 40 years, and with over 20 million visitors passing through our doors, it is a real honour to be featured on these stamps and be part of this unique celebration of Viking culture.”

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today (February 15) at www.royalmail.com/vikingbritain and by telephone on 03457 641 641.

A Presentation Pack including all eight stamps in the set is priced at £13.80, and the stamps go on general sale on 20 February.