It's more than a thousand years since Vikings were last spotted on the North East's shores.
But this summer, the Norse raiders are back.
Durham Cathedral's Open Treasure exhibition is experiencing a 'Viking invasion', with exhibits exploring the history of the Vikings in Northumbria.
This new temporary exhibition will run from June 11 until September 28, and promises to "bring to life the dawn of the Viking age in England" - and explain how Durham Cathedral might not exist without these destructive plunderers.
The exhibition will focus on the raiders of the North Sea who carried out the unexpected and devastating raids on Lindisfarne in 793 AD, leaving the island's Community of St Cuthbert searching for a safe home for their beloved saint.
Shaun McAlister, exhibitions assistant at Durham Cathedral , said: "Through trade, raids and conquest the Vikings would help to shape the political and cultural landscape of Northumbria and the British Isles.
"Without their attacks and the fear they inspired, the Community of St. Cuthbert would never have left Lindisfarne and Durham Cathedral would never have been built.
"The exhibition takes visitors through the remarkable 200-year story of the Vikings in the North East, with visitors leaving armed with a greater understanding of their role in the region."
The Vikings were famous for their ship building skills, meaning their enemies were rarely able to get the upper hand during battles. A highlight of the exhibition will be the 1.5-metre long model Viking warship, based on both the Norwegian Gokstad ship and its 1893 full-scale replica, the Viking.
The original, dating back to 890 AD, was designed to be both sailed and rowed by the Vikings as they set out on their pillaging voyages. It featured 16 oars on either side and held a crew of at least 34 men who sat on chests holding items to trade.
Also on display are some of the most precious treasures from Durham Cathedral library’s collections, including a facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospel.
The original work, originally bound in leather and covered in gold and jewels, was a gem the monks of Lindisfarne were keen to guard and protect, given the Vikings thirst for portable wealth.
Visitors can also see an original eighth century Northumbrian gospel book, which is thought to have survived the first journey from Lindisfarne nearly 1,150 years ago and tells the story of the fierce warriors of the North.
The Viking theme continues into the Community Gallery, where a selection of Viking clay masks and woven panels are on display.
The items were crafted by children from East Durham primary schools through a joint project by the cathedral’s education team and Wendy Stoker from MADE in England.
The rest of the Open Treasure exhibition, which puts the Anglo-Saxon Treasures of St Cuthbert on public display, will continue to run as usual during the Viking 'invasion'.
Open Treasure is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm) and Sundays, 12.30pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm), tickets from £2.50-£7.50, under-fives free.
Tickets are available from the Visitor Desk (0191 3387178) or online in advance at https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/opentreasure .
