Manx Museum

1128 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Things to do

Location

Date of travel

August, 2019

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

On your own

Reasons for trip

This is one of a series of more detailed reviews about the Manx Museum, describing the Viking gallery.

The Vikings arrived at the end of the C8th, first as traders but later as settlers. Silver was the everyday currency of the Vikings and the amount of silver needed for each transaction was weighted out on portable scales carried by the merchants. Ring money was worn as bangles not only to show off wealth but it was also practical as parts of the bangle could be hacked off and traded for goods. Gradually silver coins appeared in circulation

They intermarried with the native Celts. The language of the home was Celtic, although Norse was used for place names.

In troubled times, family wealth was buried, usually in churchyards, and examples of Viking treasure hoards are on display.

Important male Vikings were buried in ship burials along with possessions needed for the afterlife, which included bridle, saddle, spurs and his sword, and then covered with a mound of earth. The ere is a model of the ship burial from Balladoole along with artefacts found when it was excavated.

The Vikings brought their Norse Gods and with them and images of Norse gods and mythology appeared on the carved crosses used as grave markers. Gaut is thought to be responsible for carving many crosses found on the Isle of Man, and his design of closely interlaced patterns has been widely copied on other crosses.

Again there is a wealth of artefacts and the hordes of silver were particularly impressive as well as examples of viking carvved crosses. There is a model of the Balldoole ship burial along with many of the nails used in the construction of the ship and grave goods.

ESW

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.