The Vikings in the Isle of Man

by David M. Wilson

The Isle of Man provides a microcosm of Viking settlement in the West. Set in the northern part of the Irish Sea, it was a major player in the economic and political life of this Norse region from the beginning of the tenth century until the end of the Scandinavian overlordship of the Hebrides and Man in the middle of the thirteenth century. This book presents, for the first time, for both specialist and general reader, a major survey of the Island in the period from the early tenth century to the middle of the eleventh century. The rich archaeological material pagan grave-goods, silver-treasures, headland fortifications, farm-sites, inscribed and carved Christian memorial stones and the wealth of evidence provided by runic inscriptions, place-names and institutions, provide a unique picture of a vibrant society striving to be ever more politically and economically powerful. The story tells of the gradual change from paganism to Christianity and of the absorption of a native population into a society dominated by incoming land-owners and a king owing allegiance to Norway.

Genres: History

156 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Sir David Mackenzie Wilson is an English archaeologist, art historian, and museum curator, specialising in Anglo-Saxon art and the Viking Age. He lives on the Isle of Man.

Wilson was the director of the British Museum from 1977 to 1992, and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In 1985 he was Slade Professor of Fine Art at the University of Cambridge.

Reviews

[Michael Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for a while and been eager to read it. It's rather dry and academic, but interesting and informative.

I must admit to finding myself a bit disappointed, though. I had hoped to gain some real insight into life during the Viking Age on the Isle of Man. However, it seems that - in terms of proven academic standards - we know very little. There's plenty about a few coin hoards and graves that have been excavated, which is all very interesting, but not very broad.

It would have been nice to see some of the bare facts extended and used to paint a likely picture of Island life at the time, but academia isn't like that, of course.

The information on the stone memorials and Manx rune set - which are what I really bought the book for - is very good. However, it's all a little scanty and not as daring in its conclusions and speculations as I'd hoped.