Signs celebrate our Viking past

Jun 20 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

Signs celebrate our Viking past

ENGLAND’S first English-Norse signs have been unveiled to mark Wirral's Viking heritage.

The four signposts are in Thingwall, where a large settlement, possibly a Viking parliament, is believed to have existed.

Wirral West MP Esther McVey unveiled the signs with children from Thingwall Primary in Viking costume.

The special signposts are the first non-Celtic dual language road signs in England.

United Utilities provided the £1,200 funding for the signs which are dotted around the village – at the bottom of Cross Hill where the Viking assembly is believed to have met, Landican roundabout, with another two on Irby Road and Pensby Road.

The idea came about when two road signs went missing in Thingwall.

Wirral Viking expert Professor Stephen Harding said: “The two missing signs sparked me to suggest to replace them with something significant.

“I wanted the signs to show the importance of Thingwall’s Viking past, as it means assembly field in old Viking Norse and was only given to large significant settlements.

“Shetland Islands have something similar with their Viking roots.

“Once funding from United Utilities was in place, organised by Pensby and Thingwall councillor Don McCubbin, we designed the signs.

“The children were absolutely marvellous with their Viking dress, some of their costumes were very authentic indeed. It was fantastic to see them take it on board for the occasion and were really enthusiastic about the whole thing. Credit to their head Danielle Crontin for getting the pupils involved.

“Feedback from locals has been really appreciative and gives them an identity.

“Merseyside is stuffed with Viking names, Wirral has Thingwall, Arrowe Park, Tranmere, Pensby and Irby.

“People are starting enjoy their Viking heritage on both sides of the Mersey.”