Treasure hoard gives inspiration for kids’ activities

Viking warrior Mark Smith weighs part of the Vale of York Hoard, as part of the 'It's a Jorvik Life' at the Yorkshire Museum in York.

Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe — Viking warrior Mark Smith weighs part of the Vale of York Hoard, as part of the 'It's a Jorvik Life' at the Yorkshire Museum in York. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

To celebrate the return of the Vale of York Hoard to the Yorkshire Museum after an international tour, a Viking warrior, aka actor Mark Smith, came to face to face with some of the coins, jewels and ornaments that make the collection the most significant to be found in Britain in 150 years.

The museum is holding a number of events for children over the summer holidays - including giving them the chance to learn the skills to become a true Viking,

From shield making and weaving, and coin striking and Viking warrior training, there will be workshops on different crafts and skills each week from Viking and Medieval times.

Emma Williams, assistant curator of archaeology (learning), said: “Not only is the incredible Vale of York Viking hoard going to be on display but we have a whole range of activities, events and demos that will allow families to learn all about Jorvik life.

“Children are going to really enjoy the hands on activities and we are very excited to be running the ever-popular Special Wednesdays throughout August.”

The Vale of York Hoard was discovered by metal detectorists in 2007, and was bought by the Yorkshire Museum and the British Museum two years later.

Worth more than £1m, it lay buried underneath a farmer’s field for more than 1,000 years and includes hundreds of coins, precious ornaments and pieces of silver.

For more information on activities visit www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk.