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Tynwald: A Viking ceremony |
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Peel Castle
© Courtesy of the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure |
Another factor in the Viking settlement on the island was that, while they may have had a fierce reputation as raiders and pillagers at sea, they were skilled farmers back in Scandinavia. They were able to successfully transfer their farming techniques to survive on a more permanent basis. An illustration of this type of settlement can be seen at Braaid. This is the only lasting example on the Isle of Man of a Celtic farmstead that was converted by the Vikings for their own use. The site consists of a Celtic stone roundhouse and two Norse longhouses. Each of the longhouses had a different purpose. The first had curved walls and measured about 20 by 9 metres. This was probably used to store a boat. The second longhouse was smaller in size, about 18 by 8 metres, with a lower roof. This would have held cattle or other animals.
As the Viking settlements grew in numbers and strength, the island’s culture and identity became a blend of Norse and Celtic. The Vikings were prepared to forgo many of their pagan ways, embraced Christianity and became extremely proficient in the art of stone carving. For their part, the Celts took on Norse names, a new government and lived in Viking influenced houses.
With the level of integration between the local Celts and the Viking invaders, the rich Norse legacy still evident on the island is hardly surprising. A DNA test conducted in 2001 revealed that 15% of the Manx population had Viking blood flowing through their veins. Place names, surnames and the Tynwald, the Manx parliament, all testify to the enduring influence of the Norwegian settlers.
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