ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Viking activity is evident in historical sources, stone sculpture, artefacts, and hoards. Antiquarian accounts of burials and other discoveries have been supplemented by more recent excavations. Metal-detected material from the Portable Antiquities Scheme has become a dominant theme in recent decades. The overall amount of evidence is, however, still relatively limited and fragmentary. Source criticism is vital, and interpreting the available evidence must be conducted on a synthetic, interdisciplinary basis. Landscapes, past environments, and settlements represent continuing research problems in north-west England. Few and generally partial settlement sites have been excavated. Pointers to other chapters in this volume are included.
