KNUTTI THE VIKING

KAH - NOO - TEE!

A Viking and Scandinavian gift shop in York, England

Viking gift shop in York England

WELCOME TO YORK'S ONE AND ONLY ORIGINAL

VIKING TRADING POST!

When the Danish noble Canute became King of the North Sea Empire, news spread like wildfire. Even the small villages of the Norwegian fjords received word.

Knutti (kah-noo-tee), a young Viking, heard the news and decided to head for the new Kingdom. For certain he could find great adventure and good fortune in England.

He sailed to the English shore by longboat and then on to the capital city Jórvík. The city of Jórvík was full of tradesmen, the construction of new buildings and the sound of many languages. A fine place for adventure!

Knutti petitioned the King for a Royal Warrant to set up a trading post in the City of York. King Canute agreed, and it is this trading post that you enter today. It is the longest surviving Viking shop in the whole city!

Come along to visit The Knutti Store before or after you head for the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

Viking at York Minster

FROM THE 8TH - 11TH CENTURY,

THE VIKINGS EXPLORE!

The Vikings are infamous in history as raiders, colonisers and conquerors. They hailed from Scandinavia, including Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

They settled many lands including the British Isles, Ireland, Iceland, Newfoundland, the Faroe Islands, Normandy, the Baltics, and beyond. Like the Romans and Greeks who preceded them, and the many empires that followed, the Vikings sought adventure and land.

The Vikings were feared as formidable warriors across Europe. They arrived by longboat and often caused chaos. However, they knew the value of trade and came also to barter and exchange.

Viking at Jorvik Longhouse in York

IN 867, YORK IS BORN AS

JÓRVÍK!

In 867, everything changed for the Anglo-Saxon city of Eoforwic (eff-or-witch) (York).

The Danes had resolved to sail to England with their Great Army. This time, they did not plan to raid; no, this time they planned to stay and to conquer. The Vikings laid siege to Eoforwic and were soon victorious!

Eoforwic means "town of wild boar". The Vikings kept the name but translated it into Old Norse. And so Jórvík was born. 

It is to Jórvík that our young Knutti travelled. Now, feel free to explore the trading goods that Knutti has to offer, ...and visit The Knutti Store in Jórvík!

  • VIKING FACT!

    The Vikings spoke Old Norse, and the Anglo-Saxons in England spoke Old English. With practice, they could understand each other! Good for Knutti's trade in Jórvík!

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  • VIKING FACT!

    Just two Viking Age helmets have ever been found! There is a big debate whether Viking society had horned helmets. Some say they are made up, but what is the evidence?

    Read more! 
  • VIKING FACT!

    Traditionally, the British monarch enters Jórvík via a street called Micklegate. In times past, Mikillgata (Great Street) led to the only bridge across the river Ouse!

    Read more!