Although the inhabitants of York were at least nominally Christian from the mid 9th century, they appear to have continued to hedge their bets, mingling Christian and pagan beliefs. This is illustrated well by the use of both Thor’s hammer and the symbol of the cross on a rare die for minting St Peter’s pennies found at Coppergate. The Viking period saw the beginning of the parish system and a number of churches are known to have existed at this early date. A 10th century stone grave marker, carved with animal design and found at Coppergate, may have come from All Saints church nearby.

A raven, symbol of the Norse god Odin, depicted on a coin of 10th century King Olaf Guthfrithsson

Part of a stone grave cover decorated with interlaced animal decoration