Excavations at Coppergate show that parts of the Viking city were organised into long narrow tenement plots with alleys, houses and workshops. In these busy workshops, smiths produced high quality iron tools and implements. Jewellery and dress accessories were made of copper, lead, gold and silver. Wood workers turned cups, bowls and other household items. Combs were made from deer antler; beads, pendants and rings were crafted from jet and amber. We have recovered many implements relating to textile production and a vast quantity of scraps from leather working. Trial pieces for craftsmen to try out decorative schemes, as well as the objects themselves, show very high levels of skill.

Some of the many iron implements made by Viking smiths

A wooden last used for making leather shoes alongside a typical Viking Age shoe