A SPECIAL archaeology day is being held in York which will lift the lid on 2000 years of the city’s history.

Timbers from a Viking ship, a Victorian toilet and a medieval jug are among the finds which will go on show to the public.

York Archaeological Trust (YAT), owners of the Jorvik Viking Centre, are inviting people to visit their new collections facility this month to discover what is stored within.

Some of the items at the event which will take place at 421 Huntington Road on Tuesday, June 16, have never before been on public display, offering a unique opportunity to examine them up close.

York Press:

The new premises in Huntington

Sarah Maltby, director of attractions for YAT, said: “The trust are fortunate to have a wide and diverse collection of finds from over 40 years of archaeological excavations, including over 2000 years of pottery, Viking ship timbers, a medieval bear and even a Victorian toilet. All of which will be on display on our open day.”

York Press:

A piece of late 4th century Roman Mortaria found on the site of the Aviva building in Wellington Row York in the 1980’s

Visitors to the YAT Resource Centre, which holds more than 15,000 boxes, will also have the opportunity to explore the procedures involved in processing and conserving this precious material for display in the future.

York Press:

A piece of nineteenth century domino made from bone and wood

Sarah added: “One of the most important aspect of our new resource centre is the chance to showcase the work goes into cataloguing and preserving these finds so that future generations can learn and enjoy them. Our archaeologists will be on hand throughout the day to talk to visitors about this work and the fascinating stories these objects tell us.”

Tours, which last 90 minutes will take place at 10.30am and 2.30pm, and cost £4 per person.

Pre-booking is essential as there are limited numbers permitted on the tour. For more information visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/events or call 01904 615505.