Vikings in North America (and Amesbury?) – Book Launch & Talk

Discover the story of Viking exploration across the Atlantic at Vikings in North America (and Amesbury?), a book launch and history talk in Amesbury on Saturday 10 October 2026.

Professor Graeme Davis of the University of St Andrews will explore the evidence for Viking voyages to North America and what we know about early Norse settlement.

And, as the title suggests, there is an intriguing local question to consider too – what does any of this have to do with Amesbury?

The evening includes a book launch and talk followed by a Q&A session, offering plenty for anyone fascinated by Vikings, exploration and early medieval history.

At a Glance

Where: Amesbury History Centre, Church Street, Amesbury, Salisbury, SP4 7EU
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
Centre opens: 6.30pm
Talk starts: 7pm
Scheduled finish: 8pm
Speaker: Professor Graeme Davis
From: University of St Andrews
What: Book launch, history talk and Q&A
Topic: Vikings in North America – with an Amesbury connection to explore
Booking: RSVP required

Did Vikings Reach America Before Columbus?

The idea that Christopher Columbus was the first European to reach the Americas has long been superseded by archaeological evidence of Norse presence in North America centuries earlier.

This talk will explore the story of those Viking voyages and settlements.

Professor Graeme Davis will discuss the evidence surrounding Norse exploration across the Atlantic and the Vikings' place in the history of European contact with North America.

The event description also raises further questions around early European settlement and the history of the name America, providing plenty of material for discussion during the evening.

But What About Amesbury?

It's the part of the event title likely to make local history enthusiasts particularly curious.

Vikings in North America... and Amesbury?

Amesbury may be best known for its extraordinary prehistoric landscape and its proximity to Stonehenge, but its history stretches across many different periods.

The talk promises to add another fascinating perspective to the area's story.

Exactly how Amesbury fits into the discussion has deliberately not been revealed in the event information, so you'll have to attend to discover the connection.

Meet Professor Graeme Davis

The evening will be led by Professor Graeme Davis of the University of St Andrews.

Alongside the book launch, Professor Davis will present his talk before opening the floor for questions.

The Q&A gives visitors an opportunity to explore particular aspects of Viking history, Norse exploration and the themes covered during the presentation.

An Evening for Viking and History Fans

This event should appeal to anyone interested in Vikings, archaeology, medieval history or the early exploration of North America.

You don't need specialist historical knowledge to attend.

It could also be an interesting evening for anyone looking for more unusual things to do in Amesbury during October.

Good to Know Before You Go

Vikings in North America (and Amesbury?) takes place on Saturday 10 October 2026.

Amesbury History Centre opens at 6.30pm, with the book launch and talk beginning at 7pm. The event is scheduled to finish at 8pm.

A Q&A session will follow the main talk.

Attendees are asked to RSVP.

Information about parking and accessibility has not been supplied with the event details. Contact Amesbury History Centre directly if you need further visitor information.

History Events and Things to Do Near Hampshire

Amesbury sits in Wiltshire, close to the Hampshire border, and offers a fascinating programme for anyone interested in Britain's past.

What’s On Hampshire also features museums, historic attractions, archaeology events and talks across the region.

Explore more things to do in Hampshire and neighbouring areas, or discover what’s on in Hampshire throughout October.

FAQs

When is Vikings in North America (and Amesbury?)?

The event takes place on Saturday 10 October 2026.

What time does the talk start?

The centre opens at 6.30pm and the talk begins at 7pm.

Where is the event?

It takes place at Amesbury History Centre, Church Street, Amesbury, Salisbury, SP4 7EU.

Who is giving the talk?

Professor Graeme Davis of the University of St Andrews will lead the book launch and talk.

What is the event about?

The talk explores Viking voyages to North America, early Norse settlement and related historical questions, alongside an intriguing Amesbury connection.

Did Vikings reach North America before Christopher Columbus?

Yes. Archaeological evidence confirms a Norse presence at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland around the year 1000, centuries before Columbus's 1492 voyage.

Is there a Q&A?

Yes. A question-and-answer session will follow Professor Davis's talk.

Do I need to RSVP?

Yes. Attendees are asked to RSVP for the event.