Model, of Viking Ship

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This wooden model represents a Viking Ship from around 860 AD. Although most of the surviving Viking boats are ceremonial, this model represents a typical non-ceremonial vessel. It was built to a scale of 1:16 by Mr R Paterson of Lasswade in Midlothian.

This type of Viking ship was clinker-built i.e. the hull was constructed of overlapping planks. It could be propelled by sail or oarsmen. Normally there were 16 pairs of oars and when the ship was at sea, shutters would pivot over the oarports to keep the water out. The vessel was steered by an oar-shaped rudder. Although the familiar coloured shields were used only on special occasions, they, like the fierce dragon heads on the prow, have become a recognisable feature of the Viking Ship.

As well as large seafaring ships, Viking boatbuilders also built smaller, simpler rowing boats for river and coastal fishing. Although few boats survive, rowlocks, bone runners for fishing lines and other fittings have been found.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-202-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1928.12
• Date: Model: 20th century; Original: around 860 AD
  
• Material: Ship, Viking / Gokstad / model
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Ship, Viking / Gokstad / model
  
• Subject: 23. SHIPPING, Ships, pre 1400 (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Gokstad (Viking Ship)
  N. Nicolaysen (Model draughtsman)
  R. Paterson, Lasswade (Model maker)
  
• Where: Norway, Gokstad
  Scotland, Midlothian, Lasswade
  
• Event:
• Description: Model of the Gokstad Viking ship of around 860, made by R. Paterson, Lasswade, to a scale of 1:16
  
• References:
  • N. Nicolaysen: The Viking Ship, Gokstad, 1982 
  • Storer, J D. Ship Models in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh: A catalogue of models representing the history of shipping from 1500 BC to the present day. Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum Information Series, 1985, p 4. 
• Translations:
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