Trix
@trixranderson.bsky.social
Archaeologist at North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record: special interest in Viking-Age Britain and the Great Heathen Army
The wonderful Anglo-Saxon crypt at Repton, brilliantly captured by Andy here. I've stood in the cold, still air in this space, trying to imagine the days when a Viking camp bustled and roared outside...
Not a tiny fragment, nor a single sherd of pottery, but a full, voluminous Anglo-Saxon space from the 9th century at St Wystan’s in Repton, Derbyshire. The spiral columns - perhaps a memory of St Peter’s shrine. Holy air encased in stone. Betjeman’s words describe it perfectly.
January 26, 2026 at 7:43 AM
The wonderful Anglo-Saxon crypt at Repton, brilliantly captured by Andy here. I've stood in the cold, still air in this space, trying to imagine the days when a Viking camp bustled and roared outside...
Reposted by Trix
As I've said before, one of the problems of Viking Camps #FindsFridays is that most of our finds are... well, not that impressive.
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
January 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM
As I've said before, one of the problems of Viking Camps #FindsFridays is that most of our finds are... well, not that impressive.
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
A knock-down price for the ebook of this excellent volume! I'd heartily recommend, it's a superb piece of work.
Early Medieval Ireland, AD 400-1100. The evidence from Archaeological excavations
Only €9.99 as an ebook from @ria.ie
shop.ria.ie/products/ear...
Only €9.99 as an ebook from @ria.ie
shop.ria.ie/products/ear...
Early Medieval Ireland, AD 400-1100
How did people create and live in their own worlds in early medieval Ireland? What did they actually do? And to what end did they do it? This book investigates and reconstructs from archaeological evi...
shop.ria.ie
January 24, 2026 at 8:51 AM
A knock-down price for the ebook of this excellent volume! I'd heartily recommend, it's a superb piece of work.
As I've said before, one of the problems of Viking Camps #FindsFridays is that most of our finds are... well, not that impressive.
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
January 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM
As I've said before, one of the problems of Viking Camps #FindsFridays is that most of our finds are... well, not that impressive.
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
This find - DB 1428 from the Great Army camp at Torksey, Lincolnshire - is very much a case in point! Although not much to look at, we think this is a sword guard. /1
We're going to keep on looking at swords for today's Viking camps #FindsFriday - or, more specifically, sword hilts.
A surprising number of hilt fittings were found at our Great Army camps: pommels and guards, separated from swords. This pommel is Torksey DB 2582, recorded as LIN-D69EBE on the PAS.
A surprising number of hilt fittings were found at our Great Army camps: pommels and guards, separated from swords. This pommel is Torksey DB 2582, recorded as LIN-D69EBE on the PAS.
January 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
We're going to keep on looking at swords for today's Viking camps #FindsFriday - or, more specifically, sword hilts.
A surprising number of hilt fittings were found at our Great Army camps: pommels and guards, separated from swords. This pommel is Torksey DB 2582, recorded as LIN-D69EBE on the PAS.
A surprising number of hilt fittings were found at our Great Army camps: pommels and guards, separated from swords. This pommel is Torksey DB 2582, recorded as LIN-D69EBE on the PAS.
Reposted by Trix
For #FindsFriday a fabulous set of Carolingian sword belt mounts found near Deventer in 2022. Long ago while writing my PhD I drew how they were worn.
portable-antiquities.nl/pan/#/ensemb...
portable-antiquities.nl/pan/#/ensemb...
January 16, 2026 at 1:40 PM
For #FindsFriday a fabulous set of Carolingian sword belt mounts found near Deventer in 2022. Long ago while writing my PhD I drew how they were worn.
portable-antiquities.nl/pan/#/ensemb...
portable-antiquities.nl/pan/#/ensemb...
Reposted by Trix
✨☀️ A bit of inspiration for the dark days: sunrise at York Minster.
January 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM
✨☀️ A bit of inspiration for the dark days: sunrise at York Minster.
Reposted by Trix
I haven't managed a Viking camps #FindsFriday for weeks: it's time to get back to it!
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
January 9, 2026 at 1:07 PM
I haven't managed a Viking camps #FindsFriday for weeks: it's time to get back to it!
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
I haven't managed a Viking camps #FindsFriday for weeks: it's time to get back to it!
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
January 9, 2026 at 1:07 PM
I haven't managed a Viking camps #FindsFriday for weeks: it's time to get back to it!
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
We left off looking at weapons, so I thought we'd pick up again there. Inspired by @nybjorn.bsky.social's post on a find from Risby yesterday, we'll look at these sword pieces Aldwark, particularly the blade. /1
Reposted by Trix
Archaeodeath public talk! 💀📢
Unearthing 'Sad and Sepulchral Pitchers': The Untold History of Cremation'
1pm-2pm - Friday 30th January 2026, Leeds Library
Book your ticket(s) here: events.humanitix.com/unearthing-s...
Unearthing 'Sad and Sepulchral Pitchers': The Untold History of Cremation'
1pm-2pm - Friday 30th January 2026, Leeds Library
Book your ticket(s) here: events.humanitix.com/unearthing-s...
January 7, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Archaeodeath public talk! 💀📢
Unearthing 'Sad and Sepulchral Pitchers': The Untold History of Cremation'
1pm-2pm - Friday 30th January 2026, Leeds Library
Book your ticket(s) here: events.humanitix.com/unearthing-s...
Unearthing 'Sad and Sepulchral Pitchers': The Untold History of Cremation'
1pm-2pm - Friday 30th January 2026, Leeds Library
Book your ticket(s) here: events.humanitix.com/unearthing-s...
Reposted by Trix
Such an honour to be on the same shelf as my academic supervisor 2018-2022, @danelawdawn.bsky.social, @juliandrichards.bsky.social and @trixranderson.bsky.social's fab Life In The Viking Great Army
LITTLE KINGDOMS, stocked, signed, and waiting to be sold in @waterstones.bsky.social York!
Also, there are several signed copies of FORGOTTEN VIKINGS freshly delivered!
Also, there are several signed copies of FORGOTTEN VIKINGS freshly delivered!
January 6, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Such an honour to be on the same shelf as my academic supervisor 2018-2022, @danelawdawn.bsky.social, @juliandrichards.bsky.social and @trixranderson.bsky.social's fab Life In The Viking Great Army
A much-deserved reissue for this volume. I got my copy at Govan Old in 2018 and it's been heavily thumbed since then...
You asked, we delivered! Our volume 'Traversing the Inner Seas' (ed. Chris Cooijmans, 2017) is once again available in print! If you've been hoping to get your hands on a copy of the book, here's your chance - featuring landmark research by Clare Downham, Alex Sanmark, Mark Hall, and many others
Traversing the Inner Seas (2017) - Scottish Society for Northern Studies
Representing foremost research from SSNS's recent residential conferences, exploring the history of the interconnected seascapes of Scotland and Ireland.
www.ssns.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 11:51 AM
A much-deserved reissue for this volume. I got my copy at Govan Old in 2018 and it's been heavily thumbed since then...
Reposted by Trix
Next week is the 18th anniversary of the discovery of the Vale of York Hoard. It was acquired by the Yorkshire Museum where it is currently on display as part of the Viking North exhibition. Cake courtesy of Amy Downes, the recording FLO. #FindsFriday finds.org.uk/database/art...
January 2, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Next week is the 18th anniversary of the discovery of the Vale of York Hoard. It was acquired by the Yorkshire Museum where it is currently on display as part of the Viking North exhibition. Cake courtesy of Amy Downes, the recording FLO. #FindsFriday finds.org.uk/database/art...
My Christmas present to myself - a reproduction of the Valle Prestegard boss (UNIMUS C30540), exquisitely made by Storvarra.
It's more of a 'massive self-indulgence' than any sort of 'treat'... but I can honestly say that it's the closest I've ever seen to holding an original in my hands.
It's more of a 'massive self-indulgence' than any sort of 'treat'... but I can honestly say that it's the closest I've ever seen to holding an original in my hands.
December 28, 2025 at 4:43 PM
My Christmas present to myself - a reproduction of the Valle Prestegard boss (UNIMUS C30540), exquisitely made by Storvarra.
It's more of a 'massive self-indulgence' than any sort of 'treat'... but I can honestly say that it's the closest I've ever seen to holding an original in my hands.
It's more of a 'massive self-indulgence' than any sort of 'treat'... but I can honestly say that it's the closest I've ever seen to holding an original in my hands.
Ooh, books as academic origin stories? I guess Tolkien's a running constant amongst medievalists, and his work unquestionably influenced me... but this book definitely pulled my imagination toward a very specific subject.
December 27, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Ooh, books as academic origin stories? I guess Tolkien's a running constant amongst medievalists, and his work unquestionably influenced me... but this book definitely pulled my imagination toward a very specific subject.
Our Boxing Day walk - the annual St. Stephen's Day pilgrimage (and subsequent carol service) from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey.
I haven't done it since I was in my teens, and it was everything memory wanted 😊
I haven't done it since I was in my teens, and it was everything memory wanted 😊
December 26, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Our Boxing Day walk - the annual St. Stephen's Day pilgrimage (and subsequent carol service) from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey.
I haven't done it since I was in my teens, and it was everything memory wanted 😊
I haven't done it since I was in my teens, and it was everything memory wanted 😊
I've been missing in action on here the last few weeks: life got in the way, so apologies for the lack of Viking-themed FindsFridays and general Yorkshire archaeology.
I'm going to ease back in with a few pictures of one of our Christmas preparations, gathering greenery on the banks in Durham -
I'm going to ease back in with a few pictures of one of our Christmas preparations, gathering greenery on the banks in Durham -
December 24, 2025 at 10:17 AM
I've been missing in action on here the last few weeks: life got in the way, so apologies for the lack of Viking-themed FindsFridays and general Yorkshire archaeology.
I'm going to ease back in with a few pictures of one of our Christmas preparations, gathering greenery on the banks in Durham -
I'm going to ease back in with a few pictures of one of our Christmas preparations, gathering greenery on the banks in Durham -
"I saw great Cobbett riding,
The horseman of the shires;
And his face was red with judgement
And a light of Luddite fires"
Not the only lines which are there rent-free... but ones which keep coming up recently.
The horseman of the shires;
And his face was red with judgement
And a light of Luddite fires"
Not the only lines which are there rent-free... but ones which keep coming up recently.
Which lines of poetry live rent-free in your head?
December 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
"I saw great Cobbett riding,
The horseman of the shires;
And his face was red with judgement
And a light of Luddite fires"
Not the only lines which are there rent-free... but ones which keep coming up recently.
The horseman of the shires;
And his face was red with judgement
And a light of Luddite fires"
Not the only lines which are there rent-free... but ones which keep coming up recently.
Oh man...
It's not the years - it's the mileage.
It's not the years - it's the mileage.
We are now further away from the theatrical release of Raiders of the Lost Ark (June 12, 1981) than it was from the year it takes place in (1936). We have reached the Indiana Jones event horizon.
November 27, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Oh man...
It's not the years - it's the mileage.
It's not the years - it's the mileage.
Reposted by Trix
Just in time for Halloween, a new Pictish vision of hell
In PSAS 153, 2024 @socantscot.bsky.social Jane Geddes argues the weird 'beehive' surrounded by headless corpses on Sueno's Stone, Forres, is the furnace of the damned
Nice shout-out to #CrucibleOfNations as a bonus
doi.org/10.9750/PSAS...
In PSAS 153, 2024 @socantscot.bsky.social Jane Geddes argues the weird 'beehive' surrounded by headless corpses on Sueno's Stone, Forres, is the furnace of the damned
Nice shout-out to #CrucibleOfNations as a bonus
doi.org/10.9750/PSAS...
October 30, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Just in time for Halloween, a new Pictish vision of hell
In PSAS 153, 2024 @socantscot.bsky.social Jane Geddes argues the weird 'beehive' surrounded by headless corpses on Sueno's Stone, Forres, is the furnace of the damned
Nice shout-out to #CrucibleOfNations as a bonus
doi.org/10.9750/PSAS...
In PSAS 153, 2024 @socantscot.bsky.social Jane Geddes argues the weird 'beehive' surrounded by headless corpses on Sueno's Stone, Forres, is the furnace of the damned
Nice shout-out to #CrucibleOfNations as a bonus
doi.org/10.9750/PSAS...
Honestly don't know if there was an album which had more impact on my teenage self than this one...
October 29, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Honestly don't know if there was an album which had more impact on my teenage self than this one...
Reposted by Trix
Metal detecting has completely transformed what we know about it Viking Age England in the past few decades BUT only because the information is accessible! Objects’ significance/value can’t even be determined without that collaborative project of figuring out what it all means in the big picture
October 27, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Metal detecting has completely transformed what we know about it Viking Age England in the past few decades BUT only because the information is accessible! Objects’ significance/value can’t even be determined without that collaborative project of figuring out what it all means in the big picture
Our eldest Little Viking at an event at Murton Park, York, last weekend - with his nose buried in a book, as usual. It was his umpteenth re-read of his prised signed copy of the latest Loki by @louiestowell.bsky.social, courtesy of www.papercatbookshop.co.uk
(We posed him a bit to hide his face)
(We posed him a bit to hide his face)
October 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Our eldest Little Viking at an event at Murton Park, York, last weekend - with his nose buried in a book, as usual. It was his umpteenth re-read of his prised signed copy of the latest Loki by @louiestowell.bsky.social, courtesy of www.papercatbookshop.co.uk
(We posed him a bit to hide his face)
(We posed him a bit to hide his face)
Reposted by Trix
As others have said today: nothing beats a good bead!
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
October 24, 2025 at 10:54 AM
As others have said today: nothing beats a good bead!
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
As others have said today: nothing beats a good bead!
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
October 24, 2025 at 10:54 AM
As others have said today: nothing beats a good bead!
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...
I thought we'd take a pause from Viking camps and instead look at a North Yorks assemblage which I helped lift last year - and which Rebecca Griffiths @yorym-flo.bsky.social posted about last week. I watched these beauties come out the ground...