Hunt forVikings!
SCIENTISTS are on the hunt for Viking descendants in the north east.
The arrival of the Vikings in Britain around a thousand years ago was a dramatic event that has left a lasting legacy on our language, landscape and place-names.
Now scientists at the world-famous Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester are beginning a new study to map the extent of Viking ancestry in men who live in the north of England.
The study will focus on the Y chromosome, part of our DNA that is passed down from fathers to sons.
Previous work from the group, led by Prof Mark Jobling, has shown a high degree of Viking ancestry among men from the Wirral and West Lancashire, and now the aim is to extend the work further afield.
One question to be addressed is the relative distribution of Norse Vikings, focused in the west, and Danish Vikings in the east.
The researchers want to recruit male volunteers whose father's father was born in Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Yorkshire, Durham or Northumberland.
Researcher Dr Turi King said: "As well as analysing the Y chromosomes, we are also interested in the surnames, because they are passed down the generations in the same way.
"Surnames help us to make deeper links into the past, and tease out the signal of past Viking presence."
Sampling is done by post, and involves simply brushing the inside of the cheek.
In return for participating, volunteers will receive a description of their own Y-chromosome type when the work is completed.
Men interested in taking part are asked to email Turi King at surnames@le.ac.uk, or telephone 07512 586493.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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