THE STORY OF VIKING WOODSTOWN
The initial excavations, historical research and geophysical surveys combine to give us a sense of what life was like in Viking Woodstown. It also provides evidence of the types of activities and crafts that the inhabitants of the settlement were involved in. It gives a picture of Woodstown being a vibrant economic hub, as well as a home of Viking warriors.
A CENTRE OF TRADE
Woodstown was more than a base for raiding, it was an important trading hub. Silver ingots and fragments known as hack silver were found, along with the lead weights that measured them. From the artefacts discovered during the excavations, it is clear that Woodstown was connected to the wide Viking trade network.
Evidence for long-distance trade on the site included a fragment of a silver dirham minted at Wâsit in southern Iraq under the Umayyad caliphate, glass, amber beads from the Baltic, and a single ivory bead, possibly of walrus ivory from the far north.
Though there is good evidence for imports, there is less evidence of what was being exported. Though given the period and nature of the site, it is likely the main export was people. Captured and taken as slaves from raiding the surrounding region and in battle. They were possibly processed through Woodstown, before being taken downriver to the sea.
“Woodstown must be considered exceptional both because of the apparent length of occupation at the site and the range of economic activities taking place there”.
“…proportionately, there are far more weights in Woodstown than has been discovered in forty years of excavations in Dublin.”
A CENTRE OF CRAFT
Like any sizeable settlement, Woodstown needed to be relatively self-sufficient. Craft was an important aspect of life in Woodstown, and the surveys and excavation revealed a variety of activities were taking place within the enclosures.
Evidence suggests that metal working was taking place on site. It is likely that crafts such as smithing and carpentry would have been essential to ensure the ships, houses and structures remained in good order. The artefactual evidence is supported by the presence of a number of geophysical anomalies, that have been interpreted as sunken structures. Similar features have been found in Viking settlements in Scandinavia, and are usually associated with metal working. The presence of hemp in the pollen analysis, may also indicate that sails and rope were being made here. Perhaps to maintain and refit the boats and ships that were such a part of Viking life.
The Settlement
Although only a small portion of the site at Woodstown was excavated, it revealed a wealth of information about the people who lived there. Further surveys have revealed more information about the layout and nature of the settlement. The surveys indicate that there were a large number of structures at Woodstown, the majority of which appear to have been houses.
Due to the acidic soil conditions, organic material did not generally survive, although small teeth belonging to a 6 or 7 year old child were discovered in the ditch that enclosed the site. The discovery of a child’s teeth, indicates that Woodstown may not have solely been a military base for raiding. It may indicate that families lived there. Or perhaps more darkly, that slaves, including children, were held in the enclosure here.
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The End of Viking Woodstown
From the evidence retrieved so far, it appears likely that the Woodstown site was established by AD 860 at the latest and could conceivably have been in existence a decade or two earlier. Its fate at the end of the 9th century is unknown, but there is clear evidence to suggest that it continued in use, or that it was reoccupied in the 10th century. At some point during that century, it was effectively superseded by Waterford, possibly after a period of overlap.
The story of Woodstown is still emerging. We hope that further research excavations and studies can help to complete the picture in the coming years.