2015: The JORVIK Flood
“When we first became aware of water coming into the basement, we immediately transported all of the historic artefacts within JORVIK to safety” Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions on the flood.
The Effects of the Floods
On Sunday, December 27th, JORVIK staff arrived expecting a typical day of welcoming visitors. Instead, they faced an unexpected disaster that would close the centre for over a year.
Like many homes and businesses in York, JORVIK suffered severe flooding over Christmas 2015. On Boxing Day, the River Foss burst its banks after heavy rainfall, and water began seeping into the building’s basement. The technical team managed to hold back the floodwaters temporarily with a makeshift barrier, while curators and volunteers worked swiftly to remove irreplaceable Viking-age artifacts from the underground galleries. However, by the morning of December 28th, much of the Viking-age York recreation was submerged under a meter of water.
JORVIK Underwater
Sarah Maltby, director of Attractions for York Archaeological Trust described what it was like to be in the centre following the floods: “When we went down there, it was pitch black – no lighting at all and eerily silent. The elevated parts of the recreation were dry, but the lower parts – the entrance to the ride and the quayside – were under up to a metre of water. The floors in the galleries were under water – it was a devastating and quite unbelievable scene.”
An electric substation that powered multiple stores in the Coppergate Centre had also been flooded. While street-level remained dry, many shops were forced to close. Businesses backing onto the Piccadilly loading bay, including JORVIK, experienced contaminated floodwater spilling into their lower floors.
See how the flood at JORVIK Viking Centre were covered in the news
JORVIK on Tour
Re-Imagining JORVIK
With JORVIK undergoing major renovations, the team set to work not only on rebuilding but also re-imagining the entire experience. During this multi-million-pound redevelopment, JORVIK on Tour kept the Viking story alive throughout York.
Held across three iconic city venues, JORVIK on Tour explored the lasting impact of Vikings in York. Using artifacts from the JORVIK collection, each exhibition highlighted a unique aspect of Viking life and culture, offering visitors an up-close and personal encounter with the Norse inhabitants of York from over a millennium ago.
Jorvik: Life and Death at Keregan Room, York Theatre Royal
This exhibition, hosted at the newly refurbished York Theatre Royal, examined Viking-era medicine and health. Set on the grounds of the medieval St Leonard’s Hospital, it showcased artefacts and human remains from JORVIK’s excavations, revealing insights into sanitation, disease, and the everyday struggles of Viking residents.
Archaeologists uncovered evidence of cesspits used as toilets, indicating how poor sanitation exposed Vikings to a range of illnesses. This exhibit provided a rare glimpse into the challenges of daily life in Viking-age York
Jorvik: Home and Abroad at York St Mary’s, Coppergate
This special exhibition, presented in partnership with York Museums Trust, immersed visitors in the vibrant world of Viking-age York. Visitors explored the city’s thriving trade, industry, and daily life over 1,000 years ago. A highlight was the chance to see a replica Viking trading ship and get an up-close look at precious artifacts from the JORVIK collection.
Jorvik: Treasures and Belief at The Undercroft, York Minster
Housed in the Undercroft of York Minster, an exhibition explored the cultural tensions as Viking residents of York grappled with the arrival of Christianity while attempting to maintain their traditional beliefs. The Undercroft contains exquisite examples of early medieval Christian art, such as the Horn of Ulf and the York Gospels.
Explore the next chapter in the JORVIK Story…