A FEAST FIT FOR A VIKING
FREEMAN STREET MARKET, GRIMSBY, DN32 7DS
Viking Food
Indulge in a taste of history with our Viking Food offerings at Freeman Street Market! We will have a selection of authentic Viking-inspired foods available for you to enjoy, but be quick—when it’s gone, it’s gone!
Here are some interesting facts about Viking food and the different types they enjoyed:
- Meat and Fish: Vikings were skilled hunters and fishermen. They enjoyed a diet rich in meats such as beef, pork, and lamb, as well as fish like herring and salmon. Meat was often roasted or boiled, and fish was typically dried or smoked for preservation.
- Dairy Products: Dairy was a staple in the Viking diet. They consumed milk, cheese, and butter, often made from the milk of cows, goats, and sheep. Skyr, a type of yoghurt, was a favourite.
- Grains and Bread: Vikings grew barley, rye, and oats, which they used to make bread and porridge. Their bread was typically dense and unleavened, made from coarse grains and baked on flat stones or in clay ovens.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Although their climate limited what they could grow, Vikings foraged for wild berries, nuts, and herbs. They also grew vegetables such as cabbages, onions, and leeks.
- Beverages: Mead, a fermented drink made from honey, was a popular beverage among Vikings. They also brewed ale and enjoyed drinking it from wooden mugs or animal horns.
Viking Games
Step into the past with Viking Games brought to you by Havelok's Kingdom! Alongside an authentic Viking village and real-life Vikings, we’ll have a variety of traditional Viking games for you to enjoy. Experience the thrill and challenge of these ancient activities!
Here are some fascinating facts about Viking games and the different types they played:
- Knattleikr: This was a ball game similar to modern-day field hockey. Players used sticks to hit a hard ball made of wood or leather. The game was physical and sometimes quite rough, reflecting the Viking spirit of strength and endurance.
- Hnefatafl: Known as the "King's Table," this board game was a strategic contest where one player’s king piece had to be defended against the opponent’s attacking pieces. It was a popular pastime, showcasing the Vikings' strategic and tactical skills.
- Archery: Archery contests were common, demonstrating both skill and precision. Vikings used bows not only for hunting but also as a form of entertainment and competition.
- Tug-of-War: Vikings enjoyed tests of strength such as tug-of-war, known as "toga hönk." Teams would compete to pull a rope across a designated line, showcasing their power and teamwork.
- Stone Lifting: This game involved lifting heavy stones to test and display strength. It was a popular way for Viking warriors to prove their physical prowess and earn respect among their peers.