A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople

The area of Coppergate was full of tightly packed wooden houses, some of which had adjoining workshops. The space between these was likely filled with animal pens and toilets, making it dirty and smelly. Many of York's inhabitants were craftspeople: blacksmiths, wood turners, cobblers, jewellery and comb makers. There was a large hall that belonged to the Viking king of York in which disputes would be heard and settled. Great celebrations would also take place in the hall, with music, feasting and storytelling.