Rare opportunity to step on board a Viking longship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

News release issued: 30th June 2008

A Viking longship is to make a special appearance at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 July as it makes its only mainland UK stopover on its voyage around the south of England, from Denmark.

 

The Sea Stallion Glenadlough, which is a reconstruction of the 30 metre long warship, Skuldelev 2- wreck, found on the bottom of Roskilde Fjord in 1962, was built using replica Viking Age tools and the same materials and techniques as found in the original ship. It will be on display for visitors to the Historic Dockyard throughout the weekend. For those wishing to step on board, there will be a small charge.

 

The world’s biggest Viking ship, the Sea Stallion is manned by a 62 strong crew who have rowed across the Irish Sea under extreme conditions in an open boat with little or no privacy or comfort. The aim of the whole voyage is to test the reconstruction itself and to provide new knowledge on Viking longships and society.  

 

Drusilla Moody, Tourism and Visitor Services Manager for Portsmouth City Council, who have helped to make the stopover possible, said:" We are very pleased to support the Viking ship's visit to the city as part of Archaelogy Week. This is another great attraction to pull in the crowds and make visiting the city a must for tourists."

 

A special free exhibition will also be provided by the Viking Ship Museum,

(where the boat was built between 2000 and 2004). It will be on display in Boathouse 4, at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from Saturday 29 June until Sunday 20 July, giving visitors an insight into the history of the Vikings.

 

The Sea Stallion’s visit is perfectly timed with Archaeology Week and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will be hosting a number of activities to mark this national initiative. The Mary Rose Museum will be running Archaeology in Action on 12 and 13 July and 19 and 20 July at 12noon and 2pm – 4pm, where visitors will meet the original divers that worked on the Mary Rose. In addition on 19 July at 12noon, there will also be a free talk on the Mary Rose Galley, covering its excavation and the latest research surrounding it. There will also be commemorations for the anniversary of the sinking of the Mary Rose with 'A survivor's story' where Geoff Pye from the Royal Armouries will interpret the sinking of the ship on 19 and 20 July 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm & 4pm, free with a valid attraction ticket.

 

HMS Victory will be providing special talks on How archaeology has helped to Restore HMS Victory, on 14 – 18 July at 2pm. Peter Goodwin the Keeper and Curator of HMS Victory, will explain how he has used archaeological techniques and research to restore Victory to her 1805 glory and this will be a free with valid attraction ticket.

 

There will also be a chance for children to explore archaeology on board the ship as part of Young Victory Archaeologists on 19 July between 10.30am - 12.30pm, where they can try their hand at archaeological drawing, have a go at solving some maritime mysteries and learn all about what can be discovered by using archaeology. This activity costs £5 per child (includes all materials and refreshments an all children must be accompanied by an adult). Places for both activities at HMS Victory must be booked in advance. Ring 023 9272 3137 for booking.