The Royal Mail has issued a new stamp with a Penrith link.
To celebrate both Viking history and the 40th anniversary of the Jorvik Viking Centre, York, eight new first class stamps are being released.
One of the £1 stamps features an important archaeological discovery made at Newbiggin Moor, Flusco Pike — one of several finds there over the centuries.
The stamp features a 10th century silver penannular brooch — believed to date to the year 980 —which has been displayed at the British Museum.
Brooches were a common fastening used in Roman Britain but invading Vikings also wore them.
It is not clear if the brooch featured on the stamp relates to one particular find at Flusco. Finds took place in 1785 and 1830, and more recently, a large find was made by archaeologists in 1989.
These items were then declared treasure trove at an inquest in Penrith in July 1990. There was also another find in 1996.
Tullie in Carlisle, has displayed early 10th century Viking finds from the Eden Valley. One find in 2004 was regarded at the time as among the most significant discoveries made in the UK in the past 100 years.
As recently as January 2022 and June 2023, historic finds have been made in the Eden Valley.
David Gold, for the Royal Mail, said: “If anyone was to ask ‘what did the Vikings ever do for us?’ the answer is that they transformed Britain and left an enduring influence on the languages, economy, society and political geography of the UK forever.
“Their impact was enormous and cannot be overlooked.
“We hope these stamps will inspire people to explore this fascinating period in Britain’s history further.”
