11:08AM, Mon Aug 13, 2012

Recreating History: Tynemouth Vikings Invade Lindisfarne Priory And Holy Island

By Nisha Joshi Location: Holy Island

Video: Vikings storm Lindisfarne Priory

The Vikings first stormed Lindisfarne Priory in 793 AD, but over 1,000 years later, they have returned.

Viking enthusiasts from across the country, including a group from the North East have settled in Lindisfarne Priory for a weekend as part of 'Viking Week'.

The event has run on Holy Island for the past two years and involves a series of educational and cultural Viking-themed activities.

This year, it began with a replica Viking ship and full crew in costume arriving on Holy Island.

Over the weekend of August 11-12, it has involved the reenactment of Viking battles and arts and crafts demonstrations by Viking enthusiasts.

Steven Lines from the Northumbria Vikings said that although their battles look violent, they are not dangerous:

“It is real sword-fighting, it's real steal swords, but because of the practice we put in, people know how to react."

Each regional Viking group that has taken part in Viking Week has its own leader who organises regular get-togethers where members learn these skills.

Members also gather throughout the year to put on fighting displays and living history exhibitions.

Steven added that being a part-time Viking can have a large impact on someone’s life.

“Whatever you put into it, you’ll get out if it.

“We’ve got some people who’ll only turn up to the odd show.

"Then there’s those of us who’ll do one show every fortnight throughout the whole summer and go away at other periods to do research and collect equipment.

“It can take over, it can really take over.”