A feature of the Viking diaspora was the establishment of Thing sites, places of regular popular gatherings, where disputes were settled and justice was done. As well as the famous examples of the Icelandic Althing, Tinganes in the Faroe Islands, and Tynwald on the Isle of Man, other examples are known from regions of northern Europe settled by Scandinavians, including examples in the East Midlands, such as Thynghowe (now Hanger Hill) in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. This tradition of public assembly was shared by the Anglo-Saxons, who sometimes used the same word to describe such meetings. Using place-names and field-work, we can learn more about these important sites of local governance.

Dr John Baker
Wednesday 6 December 2017