New stamps celebrate Britain's Viking history

The stamps go on general sale on 20 February

A set of eight new stamps have been issued to celebrate the "history, impact and legacy" of Vikings in Britain and mark the 40th anniversary of the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

The stamps feature artefacts and locations from around the UK.

Among the images are a silver penny minted in York, Lindisfarne Priory in Northumberland and an iron, silver and copper sword found in London.

The Jorvik Centre has welcomed more than 20 million visitors since 1984.

The set of eight stamps features artefacts and locations of particular significance to Viking Britain

David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: "If anyone was to ask 'what did the Vikings ever do for us?' the answer is that they transformed Britain and left an enduring influence on the languages, economy, society and political geography of the UK forever.

"Their impact was enormous and cannot be overlooked.

"We hope these stamps will inspire people to explore this fascinating period in Britain's history further."

The Jorvik Viking Centre in York was founded to showcase the finds of an archaeological dig at Coppergate in the 1970s

The Vikings first reached the British Isles towards the end of the 8th Century

Other images featured include a hogback gravestone from Govan Old in Glasgow, the remains of a Norse settlement in Jarlshof, Shetland, and a gilded bronze brooch found in Pitney, Somerset.

Jorvik was founded to showcase the finds of an archaeological dig at Coppergate in the 1970s, which uncovered Viking streets and buildings buried beneath York's modern pavements.

By the early 11th Century, kings and earls of Danish and Norwegian heritage ruled the whole of England and large parts of Scotland

David Jennings, chief executive of York Archaeology, the charity that operates Jorvik Viking Centre, said: "The finds at Coppergate fundamentally changed our understanding of how the Vikings lived in England, and Jorvik Viking Centre put York's Norse heritage on the international map.

"After over 40 years, and with over 20 million visitors passing through our doors, it is a real honour to be featured on these stamps and be part of this unique celebration of Viking culture."