In the square in the lower part of the Coppergate shopping centre, there was this ice sculpture of two Vikings, no 19 on the York Ice Trail.
Vikings played a significant role in the history of York. The Visit York website describes that history in this way - "The Viking invasion of York took place on November 1st 866AD and was led by Ivar The Boneless who along with King Halfden renamed the city Jorvik. The Vikings who settled in York were mainly a peaceful bunch despite what we read about their bloody campaigns. They farmed the land and were great craftsmen, traders, artists, engineers and ship builders. Over the one hundred years that York was under Viking rule the city prospered greatly. Today the Viking heritage is still celebrated in the city, through the Scandinavian name for a road, ‘Gata’, which appears in street names such as Stonegate and Petergate to the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre which takes visitors on an unforgettable journey back in time to relive everyday Viking life."
This ice scupture stood on the site of a huge archaeological dig which revealed much of the Viking history of the city and close to the Jorvic Viking Centre with it's recreation of life in Viking York.
Beautiful ice sculpture and interesting history. Once I spent 6 weeks in Birmingham for work. When I got a weekend off, I went to York. I saw them excavating some Viking ruins under a huge tent. It was fascinating.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The trail this year had a bigger battle against the elements than usual. Early March is rather warmer that the usual early February date, and the sun is higher in the sky making it more effective at melting the sculptures. Fortunately I was out in the morning before they showed the significant effects of melting.
There always seems to be an archaeological dig somewhere in York. There is an office block in Rougier Street that may soon be demolished and there are plans for a major excavation of the site of the Roman civilian settlement under there, so that should be very interesting.
Thank you Paul. The festival has been around for a few years. Originally sponsored by a group of shops it was just in a small area. It has now become quite a big event spread through the city centre. Usually takes place the first weekend in February, but delayed this year due to Covid-19.
Ian
March 10th, 2022
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
The trail this year had a bigger battle against the elements than usual. Early March is rather warmer that the usual early February date, and the sun is higher in the sky making it more effective at melting the sculptures. Fortunately I was out in the morning before they showed the significant effects of melting.
Ian
There always seems to be an archaeological dig somewhere in York. There is an office block in Rougier Street that may soon be demolished and there are plans for a major excavation of the site of the Roman civilian settlement under there, so that should be very interesting.
Ian
Thank you Vesna. The ice artists produce some amazing sculptures.
Ian
Thank you Paul. The festival has been around for a few years. Originally sponsored by a group of shops it was just in a small area. It has now become quite a big event spread through the city centre. Usually takes place the first weekend in February, but delayed this year due to Covid-19.
Ian