Viking archaeologist Richard Hall given York Minster funeral

The five-year excavation at Coppergate, York, revealed much about the city's Viking past

The funeral of a renowned archaeologist who played a major role in re-discovering York's Viking past has taken place at York Minster.

Dr Richard Hall, who died earlier this month at the age of 62, was a leading figure on the archaeological dig at Coppergate, York, between 1976-81.

The dig uncovered the remains of Viking houses, textiles and other objects.

Peter Brown, from York Civic Trust, said: "Richard was so generous with his knowledge and will be sorely missed."

The site of the five-year Coppergate excavation was later opened to the public in 1984 as the Jorvik centre, the Viking name for York.

It features reconstructed Viking streets based on discoveries made during the Coppergate dig.

'Richer knowledge'

Since it opened, the Jorvik centre has attracted about 16m visitors from across the world.

Mr Brown said Dr Hall had played a vital role during his life in helping to reveal more about a previously little-understood period of York's history.

"Richard really increased our understanding of the city and how it evolved," he said.

"Our knowledge is much richer because of all of his work."

Mr Brown said Dr Hall would be remembered as a "generous and friendly scholar".

"He was also willing to enthuse, excite and interest the general public as well as scholars," he said.