SOME of most significant Viking finds ever discovered in Britain are being brought together for the first time.

Viking: Rediscover the Legend is an exhibition which will open next week at the Yorkshire Museum at York which explores how the Vikings transformed life in Britain.

Star objects from the British Museum will feature alongside the Yorkshire Museum’s own world class collections and will be interpreted in new ways to give a fresh perspective on how Vikings shaped every aspect of life.

It will include the most famous Viking hoards ever discovered in this country, including the Vale of York Viking Hoard, Cuerdale Hoard and the Bedale Hoard.

Also featured are the famous Lewis Chessmen that date from the 12th Century and were probably originally carved in Iceland.

“The Vikings are such an iconic part of our heritage and history,” said Professor Alice Roberts.

“They tend to be portrayed as either bloodthirsty raiders or mercantile traders, but they were much more complex and interesting. This unique exhibition brings together objects which help us to understand them and their world.”

The exhibition will run at the Yorkshire Museum from May 19 to November 5 and then tour to the University of Nottingham Museum; The Atkinson, Southport; Aberdeen Art Gallery and Norwich Castle Museum.