The Great Heathen Army's Winter at Torksey

In the winter of 872-873, the Great Heathen Army made camp at Torksey in Lincolnshire, a site that has yielded extraordinary archaeological finds. This episode explores what life was like for the Viking army during that frozen season—how they fed thousands of warriors, repaired ships, melted loot into ingots, and planned their next moves. We examine the evidence from metal-detecting finds: hack-silver, coins, lead weights, and the famous Torksey Thor's hammer. We also discuss the strategic importance of the camp, located on the River Trent near the Roman road Ermine Street, and how it set the stage for the army's later conquest of Mercia. Luna and Lucas consider the logistics of a winter camp, the role of craftsmen and women in the army, and what the hoards tell us about Viking economics. The episode draws on the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, recent archaeological surveys, and comparison to the camp at Repton. A vivid snapshot of a Viking army in winter quarters.

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