Around 150 years ago, a young archaeologist, Anders Lorange, uncovered a giant Viking ship. He left a note in the mound for ...

Vikings did not wear much armour. Some chieftains wore mail coats, made of thousands of metal rings but most relied on a round wooden shield for protection since these were very expensive.

The tank is layered with Viking shields, inspired by the series, on its support rollers and side screens, while Ragnar Lothbrok’s axe and a Carolingian sword evoke the power of the Viking warriors.

Jay Commins, from the festival, said hundreds of Viking warriors would march through the city "shouting, roaring, and beating their shields". Previous festivals in York have culminated in a fiery ...