Home / Science / Lost Viking King's Tomb Found in UK?
Lost Viking King's Tomb Found in UK?
31 Jan
Summary
- A possible tomb of Viking King Ivarr the Boneless discovered in Cumbria.
- The site, known as The King's Mound, could be a rare ship burial.
- Metal detecting revealed large ship rivets and lead weights at the location.
A potential burial site for the legendary Viking King Ivarr the Boneless has been identified by archaeologist Steve Dickinson in west Cumbria, England. Dickinson theorizes that Ivarr, a pivotal figure in 9th-century Viking history who founded a dynasty in Dublin and raided England, is interred with his ship beneath a feature known as The King's Mound. Medieval texts reference this location, and its potential as a monumental ship burial makes it exceptionally rare, possibly the first such find in the UK.
Dickinson's research into Icelandic Sagas led him to 'Coningeshou,' or The King's Mound, reinforcing his belief that this is Ivarr's resting place. While confirming the identity of any remains would be challenging, the mound's size (60m in diameter, 6m high) and proximity to the sea are suggestive. Preliminary metal detecting has yielded substantial ship rivets and lead weights, hinting at a maritime burial. Furthermore, 39 smaller mounds surrounding the main feature could represent the graves of Ivarr's retinue, forming a Viking necropolis.
