Before our Parliaments, before the High Courts – there were Things.
Things – from the Old Norse word þing, meaning assembly - were an early system of justice and administration.
When the Vikings and early Norse settlers arrived in a new place they brought with them their customs and legal systems. Things were where political decisions were made, laws upheld and disputes settled. They acted as meeting places and were often the focus for trade and religious activity.
Things are found throughout the Viking
world. This website explores the history and legacy of some of these
fascinating sites, focusing on the Viking sea roads westwards, from Norway to
Iceland, the Faroe Islands,
Shetland, Orkney, the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle
of Man – countries and areas which are partners in the EU Northern
Periphery Programme funded THING Project.
The small promontory at the north end of Tingwall Loch, called Tingaholm, was the site of Shetland’s local parliament until the late 16th century.
Read moreThing Sites posted a video:
Thing Sites posted a video:
Árni Eiríkur Bergsteinsson plays the role of "Lawman" with fellow living history members from Hafnafjordur Vikings at Thingvellir national park,for Thingsitestv.
A free academic seminar in Douglas, Isle of Man will uncover recent research to unveil the Forgotten Kingdom.
The THING Project has teamed up with the folk over at geocaching.com to create an official Thing Sites GeoTour.
