Norwich Castle acquires largest Anglo-Saxon gold coin hoard
The museum has been able to acquire the hoard with funding by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund and The Wolfson Foundation. The collection is believed to most contain Frankish tremisses which were minted in the Merovingian Frankish kingdoms that occupied modern-day France, Germany, Switzerland and the Low Countries.They are said to be the first coins made and used in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire and predate the first gold coinage made in Anglo-Saxon England. The find is one of only eight hoards of this type of coin known from Europe and the third in the United Kingdom.
When the coins were declared as treasure by a coroner's court in November 2021, Norwich Castle said it hoped to be able to acquire the hoard. At the time of their discovery, one finder notified the authorities whereas the other tried to sell a number of coins and was jailed for 16 months. Prior to their discovery, the largest hoard of coins from the same period was a purse of 101 coins discovered in Crondall, Hampshire, in 1828. Another purse found that contained 37 coins was discovered at the famous ship burial site in Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, which was excavated in 1939.
Giving the coins to the museum will make sure they remain intact and accessible to researchers and visitors. Dr Tim Pestell, senior curator of archaeology at the castle, said: "This internationally significant find reflects the wealth and continental connections enjoyed by the early Kingdom of East Anglia."Study of the hoard and its find spot has the potential to unlock our understanding of early trade and exchange systems and the importance of west Norfolk to East Anglia's ruling kings in the 7th Century." The hoard going on display marks the reopening of Norwich Castle's Anglo-Saxon and Viking Gallery which has been closed for several years while work to transform the castle's Norman Keep has been under way.
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Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
30 surnames that prove you could be descended from real Vikings
Think your family came over with the Normans? This fearsome Viking re-enactor is a reminder that many northern and Scottish surnames trace back to Norse invaders. | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Think you're pure Scottish? You could be wrong. These 30 surnames still common in Scotland and the north of England may point to Viking ancestry - is yours one of them? Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Think you're pure Scottish? You might be surprised. Many Scots have Viking ancestry woven into their DNA, especially in places like Orkney, Shetland, the Hebrides and Caithness where Norse settlers didn't just raid, they stayed. And it's not just in your blood. It might be in your name. Research from the University of Leicester and the People of the British Isles project found that parts of northern and coastal Scotland have some of the strongest traces of Viking genetics in the UK. Families in these regions often carry surnames with direct Norse origins, passed down through centuries. Want to see if your name is one of them? You can start your Viking ancestry journey with MyHeritage DNA and explore your family tree in minutes. Here are 30 surnames with strong Viking links, all of which still appear commonly across Scotland. 1. Raven From the Old Norse Hrafn, meaning 'raven'. The raven was a powerful symbol for Norse warriors and is often linked to the god Odin. This surname reflects its deep cultural and mythological roots. 2. Gunn Derived from gunnr, the Old Norse word for 'battle' or 'war'. Found widely across northern Scotland and Orkney, it's also the name of an old Highland clan with Viking origins. 3. Harold / Harald A classic Viking name carried by leaders like King Harald Hardrada, who famously died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. It means 'army ruler' and was popular in both Scandinavian and Anglo-Norse cultures. 4. Ormsby A toponymic name meaning 'Ormr's farm' – Ormr being a Norse personal name meaning serpent or dragon. The suffix -by was used by Vikings to denote a farmstead or settlement and still appears in dozens of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place names. 5. Thoresen / Thorburn Derived from Þórr, the Norse god of thunder. Names beginning with 'Thor' usually signal a Norse origin and indicate ancestry that honoured or referenced Thor's might and protection. 6. Haldane From Old Norse Halfdan, meaning 'half Dane'. A real surname still found in Scotland, possibly referring to someone born of mixed Norse and native ancestry. Wondering if your surname could link you to the Vikings? You can trace your family tree and find out with MyHeritage DNA – click here to begin 7. Croft From the Norse kropt or kroft, referring to a small enclosed field or farm. The word became rooted in Scottish and northern English landscapes and eventually surnames. 8. Scarth Likely from the Norse word skarthi, meaning 'notched' or 'hare-lipped'. Common in Orkney and parts of Yorkshire. The Scarth family appears in 16th-century land records tied to Norse-descended farming families. 9. Clegg Believed to be from kleggi, meaning 'haystack' or 'mound'. A stronghold surname in West Yorkshire, especially around Rochdale and Oldham. 10. Birkby A compound of birk (birch) and by (settlement). Still found as both a surname and a place name in North and East Yorkshire, tracing back to Danish or Norwegian farming outposts. 11. Tait Common in the Borders, Shetland and Orkney. Possibly from Old Norse teitr, meaning 'glad' or 'cheerful' – a rare example of a Norse name denoting personality rather than place or lineage. 12. Skene A Scottish surname from Aberdeenshire, sometimes traced back to a Norse word for a blade or dagger. The clan motto is 'Virtutis regia merces' – 'virtue is the reward of valour' – further hinting at a warrior heritage. Your family tree could be bigger than you ever imagined — and DNA testing can help you trace its many branches. | Canva 13. MacAulay A Hebridean and Highland name from the Norse personal name Áleifr, meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or 'heir'. Evidence suggests the MacAulays may descend from Viking settlers who integrated with Gaels. 14. Main Found in northern Scotland, particularly Caithness and Orkney. Possibly derived from mæinn, the Old Norse word for 'strong' or 'forceful'. 15. Ketill This personal name meant 'kettle' or 'cauldron' but was commonly used for a helmet in a poetic or symbolic sense. It appears in Norse sagas and survives in names like Kettlewell or Ketilson. 16. Eirikson / Ericson / Eriksen Means 'son of Erik' – one of the most common Viking naming patterns. Erik comes from Eiríkr, meaning 'eternal ruler'. Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. 17. Sanderson A northern English patronymic meaning 'son of Sander', itself derived from Sandarr, a Norse personal name related to defender or protector. 18. Foss From Old Norse foss, meaning 'waterfall'. Found in surnames and place names in Yorkshire and Cumbria – often near rivers or rocky outcrops. 19. Thwaite A suffix in dozens of northern English place names like Braithwaite and Micklethwaite. From þveit, meaning 'clearing in the woods' – a sign of Norse agricultural colonisation. 20. Askew Believed to come from askr (ash tree) and skogr (wood), likely referencing a settlement near a wooded area. Found in Lancashire and Yorkshire. 21. Osmond From Old Norse Ásmundr, meaning 'divine protection'. A name passed down by Norse settlers who brought both pagan and Christian influences. 22. Rigg From the Old Norse hryggr, meaning 'ridge'. Found widely in hill-country surnames across Cumbria and the Dales. 23. Rawlinson 'Son of Raoul' – with Raoul or Ralph descending from Ráðulfr, a Norse name meaning 'wise wolf'. A surname common in Lancashire and northern England. 24. Ulf A powerful Norse name meaning 'wolf'. While rare today, it appears in Domesday Book records and some East Anglian settlements in the former Danelaw. 25. Ingerson A patronymic meaning 'son of Inge' or Ingvar, both linked to the Norse god Ing or Yngvi, associated with fertility and prosperity. 26. Janson Means 'son of Jan', with Jan being a Norse adaptation of Johannes. Still common in the Netherlands and northern UK. 27. Colby A compound of Kol (meaning coal or dark) and by (village). Found in Lancashire, Cumbria and parts of Lincolnshire. 28. Halcro Unique to Orkney and Shetland, with deep Norse roots. Believed to derive from a personal name and farm site occupied during the Viking period. 29. Gunnarsen Means 'son of Gunnar', from gunnr (war) and arr (warrior). A classic Norse warrior name that still appears in Scandinavian communities. 30. Leifson Means 'son of Leif'. Leif means 'heir' or 'beloved'. The most famous bearer is Leif Erikson, who explored North America long before the modern age of discovery. Did your name appear? Or maybe one from your extended family? It could be the start of a fascinating journey into Norse ancestry and the Viking history of the North. With MyHeritage, it's free to begin building your family tree. You can also order a DNA kit and discover your genetic connection to Scandinavia, Viking settlements and more – all for just £33. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a National World journalist prior to publication. Canva Uncover your family's hidden connections with an exclusive MyHeritage DNA kit £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Every generation, your family tree branches wider — yet most of your extended relatives are strangers to you. A DNA test can help change that. MyHeritage DNA doesn't just estimate your ethnic makeup; it connects you to real living relatives and uncovers the stories of your ancestors' journeys. From Viking roots in Orkney to Sephardic Jewish heritage, or even surprise half-siblings, your DNA holds the key to discovering the family you never knew you had. Canva Get beach-ready with MySweetSmile's gentle teeth whitening range £ 20.99 Buy now Buy now Sunshine, selfies and holiday cocktails – summer is here, and so are all the moments you'll want to capture with a glowing smile. Whether you're jetting off for a beach escape or heading to a sunny staycation, MySweetSmile can help you look your best. This UK best-seller offers peroxide-free, gentle whitening that works its magic without harsh ingredients or faff. Their powder is perfect for whitening before take-off, while the handy on-the-go pen is great for keeping your smile photo-ready poolside. Shop the full MySweetSmile summer-ready range here.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
30 surnames that prove you could be descended from real Vikings
Think your family came over with the Normans? This fearsome Viking re-enactor is a reminder that many northern and Scottish surnames trace back to Norse invaders. | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Think you're pure Scottish? You could be wrong. These 30 surnames still common in Scotland and the north of England may point to Viking ancestry - is yours one of them? Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Think you're pure Scottish? You might be surprised. Many Scots have Viking ancestry woven into their DNA, especially in places like Orkney, Shetland, the Hebrides and Caithness where Norse settlers didn't just raid, they stayed. And it's not just in your blood. It might be in your name. Research from the University of Leicester and the People of the British Isles project found that parts of northern and coastal Scotland have some of the strongest traces of Viking genetics in the UK. Families in these regions often carry surnames with direct Norse origins, passed down through centuries. Want to see if your name is one of them? You can start your Viking ancestry journey with MyHeritage DNA and explore your family tree in minutes. Here are 30 surnames with strong Viking links, all of which still appear commonly across Scotland. 1. Raven From the Old Norse Hrafn, meaning 'raven'. The raven was a powerful symbol for Norse warriors and is often linked to the god Odin. This surname reflects its deep cultural and mythological roots. 2. Gunn Derived from gunnr, the Old Norse word for 'battle' or 'war'. Found widely across northern Scotland and Orkney, it's also the name of an old Highland clan with Viking origins. 3. Harold / Harald A classic Viking name carried by leaders like King Harald Hardrada, who famously died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. It means 'army ruler' and was popular in both Scandinavian and Anglo-Norse cultures. 4. Ormsby A toponymic name meaning 'Ormr's farm' – Ormr being a Norse personal name meaning serpent or dragon. The suffix -by was used by Vikings to denote a farmstead or settlement and still appears in dozens of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place names. 5. Thoresen / Thorburn Derived from Þórr, the Norse god of thunder. Names beginning with 'Thor' usually signal a Norse origin and indicate ancestry that honoured or referenced Thor's might and protection. 6. Haldane From Old Norse Halfdan, meaning 'half Dane'. A real surname still found in Scotland, possibly referring to someone born of mixed Norse and native ancestry. Wondering if your surname could link you to the Vikings? You can trace your family tree and find out with MyHeritage DNA – click here to begin 7. Croft From the Norse kropt or kroft, referring to a small enclosed field or farm. The word became rooted in Scottish and northern English landscapes and eventually surnames. 8. Scarth Likely from the Norse word skarthi, meaning 'notched' or 'hare-lipped'. Common in Orkney and parts of Yorkshire. The Scarth family appears in 16th-century land records tied to Norse-descended farming families. 9. Clegg Believed to be from kleggi, meaning 'haystack' or 'mound'. A stronghold surname in West Yorkshire, especially around Rochdale and Oldham. 10. Birkby A compound of birk (birch) and by (settlement). Still found as both a surname and a place name in North and East Yorkshire, tracing back to Danish or Norwegian farming outposts. 11. Tait Common in the Borders, Shetland and Orkney. Possibly from Old Norse teitr, meaning 'glad' or 'cheerful' – a rare example of a Norse name denoting personality rather than place or lineage. 12. Skene A Scottish surname from Aberdeenshire, sometimes traced back to a Norse word for a blade or dagger. The clan motto is 'Virtutis regia merces' – 'virtue is the reward of valour' – further hinting at a warrior heritage. Your family tree could be bigger than you ever imagined — and DNA testing can help you trace its many branches. | Canva 13. MacAulay A Hebridean and Highland name from the Norse personal name Áleifr, meaning 'ancestor's descendant' or 'heir'. Evidence suggests the MacAulays may descend from Viking settlers who integrated with Gaels. 14. Main Found in northern Scotland, particularly Caithness and Orkney. Possibly derived from mæinn, the Old Norse word for 'strong' or 'forceful'. 15. Ketill This personal name meant 'kettle' or 'cauldron' but was commonly used for a helmet in a poetic or symbolic sense. It appears in Norse sagas and survives in names like Kettlewell or Ketilson. 16. Eirikson / Ericson / Eriksen Means 'son of Erik' – one of the most common Viking naming patterns. Erik comes from Eiríkr, meaning 'eternal ruler'. Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. 17. Sanderson A northern English patronymic meaning 'son of Sander', itself derived from Sandarr, a Norse personal name related to defender or protector. 18. Foss From Old Norse foss, meaning 'waterfall'. Found in surnames and place names in Yorkshire and Cumbria – often near rivers or rocky outcrops. 19. Thwaite A suffix in dozens of northern English place names like Braithwaite and Micklethwaite. From þveit, meaning 'clearing in the woods' – a sign of Norse agricultural colonisation. 20. Askew Believed to come from askr (ash tree) and skogr (wood), likely referencing a settlement near a wooded area. Found in Lancashire and Yorkshire. 21. Osmond From Old Norse Ásmundr, meaning 'divine protection'. A name passed down by Norse settlers who brought both pagan and Christian influences. 22. Rigg From the Old Norse hryggr, meaning 'ridge'. Found widely in hill-country surnames across Cumbria and the Dales. 23. Rawlinson 'Son of Raoul' – with Raoul or Ralph descending from Ráðulfr, a Norse name meaning 'wise wolf'. A surname common in Lancashire and northern England. 24. Ulf A powerful Norse name meaning 'wolf'. While rare today, it appears in Domesday Book records and some East Anglian settlements in the former Danelaw. 25. Ingerson A patronymic meaning 'son of Inge' or Ingvar, both linked to the Norse god Ing or Yngvi, associated with fertility and prosperity. 26. Janson Means 'son of Jan', with Jan being a Norse adaptation of Johannes. Still common in the Netherlands and northern UK. 27. Colby A compound of Kol (meaning coal or dark) and by (village). Found in Lancashire, Cumbria and parts of Lincolnshire. 28. Halcro Unique to Orkney and Shetland, with deep Norse roots. Believed to derive from a personal name and farm site occupied during the Viking period. 29. Gunnarsen Means 'son of Gunnar', from gunnr (war) and arr (warrior). A classic Norse warrior name that still appears in Scandinavian communities. 30. Leifson Means 'son of Leif'. Leif means 'heir' or 'beloved'. The most famous bearer is Leif Erikson, who explored North America long before the modern age of discovery. Did your name appear? Or maybe one from your extended family? It could be the start of a fascinating journey into Norse ancestry and the Viking history of the North. With MyHeritage, it's free to begin building your family tree. You can also order a DNA kit and discover your genetic connection to Scandinavia, Viking settlements and more – all for just £33. This article was produced with the support of AI tools to assist in sourcing and structuring information. All content has been reviewed, verified and completed by a National World journalist prior to publication. Canva Uncover your family's hidden connections with an exclusive MyHeritage DNA kit £ 29.00 Buy now Buy now Every generation, your family tree branches wider — yet most of your extended relatives are strangers to you. A DNA test can help change that. MyHeritage DNA doesn't just estimate your ethnic makeup; it connects you to real living relatives and uncovers the stories of your ancestors' journeys. From Viking roots in Orkney to Sephardic Jewish heritage, or even surprise half-siblings, your DNA holds the key to discovering the family you never knew you had.
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
DNA site announces 35 regal surnames that could be related to the Royal Family
Many of us are fascinated by our ancestry, keen to delve into our family history and discover potential connections to notable figures. Gone are the days of laboriously trawling through heritage records and census data, as there are now numerous online platforms that make this process straightforward and accessible, just like MyHeritage. Currently, MyHeritage is offering a 14-day free trial, providing individuals with the chance to map out their family tree, uncover new relatives, and sift through billions of historical records. They've even compiled a list of 35 surnames that could potentially reveal a connection to royalty, reports the Express According to MyHeritage, certain surnames have traditionally been linked to nobility and could strongly suggest a Royal lineage. If users possess one of these 35 surnames, they might be in for an unexpected revelation about their relatives. Curiosity about Royal lineage can be explored through surnames, and while they don't guarantee a connection to the monarchy, they serve as an intriguing starting point. To delve into their ancestry, individuals can utilise MyHeritage's platform to construct their family tree, incorporating names, dates, photos, and stories, and then sift through historical records including census data, birth, death certificates, and marriage records. Additionally, MyHeritage offers DNA testing services, as well. This provides insights into one's ethnic background and identify potential relatives. Using these tools, users can figure out if their surname is part of a royal lineage. Here's the aforementioned 35 surnames connected to the Royals, and how they made their mark on history: Windsor: The current British royal family's surname since 1917. Tudor: The Welsh dynasty that produced monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Stuart: A Scottish house that ruled England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. Plantagenet: A royal house that provided England with monarchs from Henry II to Richard III. Capet: The dynasty that ruled France from 987 to 1328. Bourbon: A European royal house that ruled France, Spain, and other territories. Habsburg: A prominent royal house of Europe, known for ruling the Holy Roman Empire. Hanover: The British royal house from George I to Queen Victoria. Valois: A cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty that ruled France. Lancaster: A branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, known for its role in the Wars of the Roses. York: Another Plantagenet branch, also central to the Wars of the Roses. Bruce: A Scottish royal house, with Robert the Bruce being a notable king. de Valois: A French royal house that produced several kings. de Medici: An influential Italian family that produced royalty and popes. Savoy: A royal family that once ruled parts of Italy and France. Orange-Nassau: The Dutch royal family. Oldenburg: A European royal house that includes the current Danish royal family. Glucksburg: A branch of the House of Oldenburg, associated with Danish and Norwegian royalty. Romanov: The last imperial dynasty to rule Russia. Baskerville: A noble family name with historical ties to English aristocracy. Darcy: A surname associated with medieval nobility and landowners in England and Ireland. Neville: A powerful English noble family with significant influence during the medieval period. Percy: An aristocratic English family known for their role in British history. Astley: A noble surname linked to the English peerage. Capell: A distinguished English family with historical ties to the aristocracy. Howard: A prominent aristocratic family in the UK, holding the title of Dukes of Norfolk. Seymour: The family of Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, with ties to the Dukedom of Somerset. Grey: Associated with Lady Jane Grey, England's nine-day queen. FitzAlan: A powerful medieval family, former Earls of Arundel. Courtenay: A noble family with connections to English and French royalty. Manners: The surname of the Dukes of Rutland, a high-ranking noble family. Russell: Connected to the Dukes of Bedford, an influential aristocratic lineage. Cavendish: The surname of the Dukes of Devonshire, a powerful British noble family. Talbot: A noble family holding the Earldom of Shrewsbury. Spencer: The family name of Princess Diana, tying it to the modern British royal family. For those seeking alternative resources, Ancestry is another option, providing DNA tests starting at £79, which not only connect users with relatives but also offer insights into familial origins. 23andMe is yet another choice, offering DNA tests with ancestry breakdowns and personalised health insights, with prices commencing at £89. MyHeritage boasts a commendable 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. One user praised the site, commenting: "Immediate accurate statistics of my immediate family members." Another user appreciated the ongoing updates and positive outcomes, stating: "Regular updates of discoveries, positive results. This site is not just about the money, it is about genuine results for the family history researcher." A satisfied customer shared their experience: "My family history has expanded and the format is easily understood. Changes are quick and easy. Thank you." Not all users are singing the same tune, with one commenting: "I don't fully understand it. I can't find a user guide, difficult to navigate, Help Center does not always understand my problems. My previous version was much easier for me." Yet, another budding genealogist recounted their use of the site as an 'enjoyable experience,' enthusing: "Finding related families and information relating to individuals has been a wonderful experience. MyHeritage has made it even easier to trace ancestors and verify relations."
