Viking burials found in the Isle of Man

This list of burials is currently a work in progress. More information will be added over time but it is hoped that even the meagre information supplied here will be of some use. Any list of Viking burials is going to be open to discussion. Many of these burials were discovered in the 18th and 19th centuries, long before modern archaeological practices came into use.

Our map of Viking Burials in Britain is derived from the following maps: ^{[Bersu & Wilson 1966]:p.xii}; [Wilson 1976:p.394]; ^{[Graham-Campbell 1994]:p.p.134 & 153}; ^{[Graham-Campbell & Batey 1998]:p.115 & p.130}; ^{[Graham-Campbell 2001]:p.107}; ^{[Redknap 2000]:p.95}; ^{[Richards 2004]:p.191}; ^{[Redmond 2007]:p.70, p.77, p.87, p.93, p.107, p.117}; ^{[Harrison & Ó Floinn 2014]:p.225}

We have recently discovered Angela Redmond's book, 'Viking Burial in the North of England' ^{[Redmond 2007]}. This gives a very good overview of of burials from the British Isles and is well worth acquiring if you are interested in this subject.

Status
The reliability of pagan graves varies. The 'Status' rating gives an indication of the current thinking relating to the finds reliability.
 Accepted   (A)
There is a good contemporary archaeological record of the find. Including a diagram of the grave and finds, etc.
 Possible   (P)
The contemporary archaeological record of the find is not as good but the grave goods would tend to indicate a pagan grave. The grave may be located in a mound or Church yard.
 Discredited   (D)
The argument in favour of this being a Viking grave has now been discredited although it has previously been published as such in the past. These are most probably just stray finds.

Andreas Knoc-y-doonee Arbory Balladoole Ballaugh Ballaugh

Bradden Old Kirk Braddan German St John's

Jurby Ballachrink Ballateare Cronk Moar Jurby Lezayre Cronk yn How Malew Malew churchyard

Maughold Maughold Michael Kirk Michael Patrick Ballelby St. Patrick's Isle

As of 2015 there have been 37 accepted burials in the Isle of Man ^{[Steinforth 2015]:tab.3}

Isle of Man, Patrick: Ballabrooie -
Isle of Man, German: Balladoyne -
Isle of Man, Rushen: Calf of Man -
Isle of Man, Maughold: Claghbane -
Isle of Man, Jurby: Cronk ny Arrey Lhaa -
Isle of Man, Patrick: Glen Rushen -
Isle of Man, Lonan: Gretch Veg -
Isle of Man, Lezayre: Kirk Lezayre -
Isle of Man, Michael: Lhen y Oi -
Isle of Man, Malew: Ronaldsway -
Isle of Man, Jurby: West Nappin -

Isle of Man, Peel: St. Patrick's Isle

---

Status-  Accepted  

Type- Burial

Find Date- excavated between 1982 and 1987

Bodies- 7 graves with accompanied grave goods. 5 adult and 2 child burials.

Dated to- first half of the C10th

Publications-

• Freke, David (ed.) (2002) Excavations on St. Patrick's Isle, Peel, Isle of Man 1982-88. Prehistoric, Viking, Medieval and Later. p.66-73 and p.83-98
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.94-100
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.47-50
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.29-36

Adult female (84.16/L (483))

• woolen dress probably with a tablet woven sash, possible sprang head-dress (or possibly a bag?), down filled leather pillow [GRAHAM CAMPBELL 2002:p.86]
• iron roasting spit
• 3 knives (2 with handles inlaid with silver wire)
• a pair of shears
• antler comb
• 2 needles
• miniature pestle and mortar of limestone
• necklace of 2 amber beads and a pierced ammonite.
• necklace of 71 beads of coloured glass, amber and jet.

Adult male? (84.16/L (420))

• silver penny (939-46AD)
• copper-alloy ringed pin with a polyhedral head probably used to fasten a cloak.
• 18 woven silver wire balls. Probably used to decorate a fringed cloak.
• D shaped buckle with a decorated plate. Found just above the right knee and probably used to secure the body in the shroud.

Adult (85.60/L (595))

• 4 silver wire balls. Again probably a fringe ornament of a cloak or shawl (they were found at the pelvis and right wrist).

Adult male? (85.60/L (1155))

• curved lidded chest
• ringed pin
• linen cloak or shroud
• strap end and buckle from a belt
• traces of a comb, possible awl.

Adult (84.16/L (629))

• casket
• belt buckle with decorated plate, strap end
• iron knife in a leather sheath.

child (85.60/L (682))

• silver half penny (946-55AD)

child (84.16/L (757))

• small bell, 6 glass beads, 2 amber beads

Isle of Man, Arbory: Balladoole

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- 1946

Bodies- Male grave with female body (possibly of a sacrificial slave)

Dated to- ?

Museum-

Publications-

• Bersu, Gerhard and Wilson, David M. (1966) Three Viking Graves in the Isle of Man. The Society for Medieval Archaeology Monograph Servies: No 1
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.91
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.38-46
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.3

Grave goods

• Shield boss - with a hand grip

• 
• 
• 

Isle of Man, Jurby: Ballateare

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- 1946

Aprox location- SC 344 970

Bodies- 2 small fragments of a human skull.

Dated to- ?

Museum- Manx Museum

Publications-

• Bersu, Gerhard and Wilson, David M. (1966) Three Viking Graves in the Isle of Man. The Society for Medieval Archaeology Monograph Servies: No 1
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.89
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.28-36
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.5

Grave goods

• '

• 
• 

Isle of Man, Jurby: Cronk Moar

---

Status-

Type-

Find Date- excavated in 1939

Bodies- Male grave

Dated to- ?

Museum-

Publications-

• Bersu, Gerhard and Wilson, David M. (1966) Three Viking Graves in the Isle of Man. The Society for Medieval Archaeology Monograph Servies: No 1
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.90
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.36-37
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.10

Grave goods

• Sword
• Sword baldric - Strap distributer, buckle and strap end
• Spear
• Shield Boss
• Knife
• Pin
• Cloak - Fragment of cloak

• 

  Sword in leather scabbard

• 

  Cloak fragments (Rogg)

• 
• 

Isle of Man, Lezayre: Cronk yn How

---

Status-

Type-

Find Date- excavated in 1930

Bodies- None - possible female grave.

Dated to- ?

Museum-

Publications-

• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.38
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.12-14

Grave goods

• Box - hinges, 60 clench nails and roves (possibly part of a 60cm long strong box
• Glass bead

Isle of Man, Andreas: Knoc-y-doonee

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- 1927? Boat Burial

Bodies- 2 small fragments of a human skull, horse skeleton

Dated to- ?

Museum- Manx Museum

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.23
• Kermode, P.M.C. (1927)Proceedings Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society. VOLUME III - 1925-1932.[http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/iomnhas/v033p241.htm (Available Online)]
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.92
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.37-38
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.22

Grave goods

• Sword - Petersen type X, Spear Head (fragment)
• Axe - Petersen type G,
• Shield Boss - Type R.562 (fragment)
• Ring headed pin - Bronze (possibly with enamel inlay)
• Iron bowl, hammer, smith tongs, lead weight for a fishing line
• two knives with bone handles,
• Horse harness - links of iron with remains of leather straps, Iron buckle, various small bronze fragments also possibly from the bridle,
• Four pairs of strap protector, three plain strap ends, 2 plain studs set in leather
• 300 iron rivets from the boat

• 
• 

Isle of Man, Michael: Kirk Michael

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- 1885

Bodies- found in a church yard whilst digging a grave

Dated to- ?

Museum- Manx Museum

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.22
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.104
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.21

Grave goods

• Spear head - Petersen type K

Isle of Man, Jurby: Ballachrink

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- 1880

Aprox location- SC 440 990

Bodies- none. Found in a flagged cist in a barrow

Dated to- ?

Museum- Manx Museum

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.25
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.101
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.27
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.2

Grave goods

• Sword - Upper part of a Sword with a curved guard, base of a spear head with wings (lugs), 'a perforated stone disc'

Isle of Man, Malew: Malew churchyard

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- c.1854

Bodies- found in a possible grave in Malew churchyard

Dated to- ?

Museum-

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.25
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.109
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.24

Grave goods

• Two swords

Isle of Man, Patrick: Ballelby

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- c.1850

Bodies- a possible skeleton (left in situ by the discovering farmer)

Dated to- ?

Museum- left in situ

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.25
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.107
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.37
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.7

Grave goods

• Axe head (left in situ) - bearded

Isle of Man, Maughold: St. Maughold

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- 1824

Bodies- found in a church yard whilst digging a grave

Dated to- ?

Museum- National Museum of Scotland

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.23
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.103
• Wilson, David M. (2008) The Vikings in the Isle of Man. p.47
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.25

Grave goods

Sword - Petersen type L

• 

Isle of Man, Ballaugh: Ballaugh

---

Status-

Type- burial in a low barrow

Find date- 1824

Bodies-

Dated to- ?

Museum-

Grave goods

• Sword - Petersen type L
• Spear Head (lost)

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.22
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.102
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.6

Isle of Man, Jurby: Jurby

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- ? found in a church yard (St. Patrick?) and re-interred by the Vicar.

Bodies-

Dated to- ?

Museum-

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.22
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.112
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.17-18

Grave goods

• Sword - (Wheeler type III?)

Isle of Man, Bradden: Old Kirk Braddan

---

Status-

Type-

Find date- ? found in a church yard whilst digging a grave

Bodies-

Dated to- ?

Museum- Manx Museum

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.23
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.108
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.19

Grave goods

• Sword - with missing hilt

Isle of Man, German: St John's

---

Tynwald

Status-

Type-

Find date- Pre 1860AD

Aprox location- SC 277 819

Bodies- found in an open cist

Dated to- ?

Museum- LOST

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.25-26
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.106
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.27-28

Grave goods

• Axe head (LOST) -
• Stirrup (LOST) -
• Beads (LOST) - a handful of beads
• Sword (LOST) - was also found in the same field of Petersen type P

Balladoyne Churchyard

Status-

Type-

Find date- ?

Bodies- found in a christian cemetery

Dated to- ?

Museum- Manx Museum

Publications-

• Bjorn, Anathon, and Shetelig, Haakon (1940) Viking Antiquities in England. Edited by Haakon Shetelig. (Available Online) Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland: Part 4 p.26
• Redmond, Angela Z. (2007) Viking Burial in the North of England. A Study of Contact, Interaction and Reaction between Scandinavian Migrants with Resident Groups, and the effect of Immigration on Aspects of Cultural Continuity.. British Archaeological Reports: BAR 429 Appx.5 no.113
• Steinforth, Dirk (2015) Die skandinavische Besiedlung auf der Isle of Man. (partly available in google books) Tab.3 no.4

Grave goods

• Sword - Petersen type M
• Spear head - Petersen type K with linen fragment in the socket
• Shield boss

• 

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