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2.4 River Raiders

Exploring the stories of a key element in the Brecks’ landscape history – The Vikings – through a series of research and fieldwork projects

Delivery Lead Organisation: The Breckland Society

Focussing on the exploring the use of the Brecks rivers as corridors for movement and trade pre-1066, and uncovering the history and impact of Vikings in the Brecks.

This project has been delivered by Dr Richard Hoggett, the Breckland Society and volunteers, and included research and practical field work, supporting the development of the Ancient House Museum exhibition ‘Vikings on your Doorstep’, creating a celebratory booklet, and additional online learning and research resources – available in the ‘Resources’ tab below.

Overview

Aims/Objectives

Exploring the stories of key elements in the Brecks’ landscape history through a series of research and fieldwork projects delivered by Breckland Society volunteers, including research and practical field work, celebratory booklets, exhibitions, and online resources, this project will:

  • Explore the Use of the Brecks Rivers as corridors for movement and trade pre-1066
  • Uncover the history and impact of Vikings in the Brecks
  • Raise awareness of these stories through new interpretation, written and on-line material
  • Create more of a sense of place, and awareness of the importance of the landscape features and heritage.

Summary

The project will be exploring the history and impact of the Vikings (made infamous by the pages of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle) in the Brecks through research and fieldwork delivered by volunteers from across the region. Particularly significant events, such as the martyrdom of King Edmund at the hands of the Vikings, will be high on the agenda, but less-well known factors, such as the role which the Vikings played in the establishment and development of Thetford, will also be explored.

Project activities will include training in archaeological and historical research skills and practical fieldwork and will result in the publication of an illustrated report, the installation of an interpretation panel and creation of online resources. Volunteers will also have a role in curating a Viking-themed exhibition to be held at Thetford Ancient House Museum.

Status

Resources

River Raiders: Anglo-Saxon and Viking Breckland

Drawing on historical sources, archaeological sites, artefacts and place-names, this report presents an overview of the history and archaeology of the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods in the Breckland area of East Anglia. This report has been researched and written by volunteers working with the Breckland Society on the River Raiders project, as part of the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership Scheme.

360° degree tour of Ancient House Museum's Viking Exhibition

A fascinating new addition to our website, this tour allows you to walk around Ancient House Museum’s 2022/23 ‘Vikings on your Doorstep’ exhibition from the comfort of your home (or anywhere else). Artefacts found in the Brecks, were gathered from all over the country, including some were loaned by the British museum. They included high value items such as coins, gold jewellery, broaches, stirrups and swords, as well as everyday goods such as gaming pieces, pins and pottery.
Seminar 1: Anglo-Saxon and Viking East Anglia

An overview of the historical and archaeological evidence for the Viking presence in East Anglia, and the Breckland area. This is the first event of the Breckland Society’s latest project – River Raiders.

It has a significant emphasis on the role which Thetford played as a Viking camp and later Anglo-Scandinavian township in which the Viking army overwintered before defeating Edmund in battle in AD 869.

The presenter is Dr Richard Hoggett, a landscape archaeologist and recognised authority on Anglo-Saxon and Viking East Anglia.

Seminar 2: Reading the Anglo-Saxon and Viking Landscape

Examining the archaeological and historical evidence for the settlement and integration of the Vikings into East Anglian life and culture.

This is the second event of the Breckland Society’s latest project – River Raiders and is being delivered by the Breckland Society as part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme.

Seminar 3: Digging Deeper

This session presents an overview of the many and varied sources of archaeological and historical information which can be accessed online and used to inform research projects. It will focus on East Anglian Anglo-Saxon and Viking resources in particular, but many of the sources presented contain material relevant to all periods across the whole country.

This is the third event of the Breckland Society’s latest project – River Raiders and is being delivered by the Breckland Society as part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme.

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