We of Thanet love our history, due partly to the fact that we have so much of it here and one of the sights that greet visitors entering Thanet is the Viking Ship Hugin which is found at Pegwell Bay. I?m sure most of you know the history but just to recap in 1949 the ?Hugin? sailed from Denmark to Thanet in celebration of the 1500th anniversary of the traditional landing of Hengist and Horsa at Ebbsfleet and the betrothal of Hengist?s daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent.
We can go a lot more into that historical line but I?m more interested in 1949 rather that 449 and I?ve come across these great videos from British Pathe that show the Hugin arriving at Viking Bay (originally known as Main Sands until this event), the thousands who celebrated its arrival, and the presentation ceremony in 1950 by Prince Georg of Denmark with the ship on display at Pegwell Bay.
Just click on the photo and you?ll be taken to the relevant video.
VIKING SHIP ARRIVES
KENT GREETS VIKING INVADERS
THE VIKING SHIP ?HUGIN? AT RAMSGATE
It really is amazing having such a link into the past. Yes it?s a relic that?s only 60 years old but it signifies something a lot older and normally gets me spouting off about Vikings et al.
That?s really interesting! I?m more of a 449 kinda gal myself, but those photos are fun! What a great way to mark the anniversary.
I was fascinated to see these newsreel clips. I was 8 and living in The Grove at Cliffsend when the Hugin arrived and I took part in the pageant that re-enacted the arrival of Hengist and Horsa. I think I played the part of a serving boy. My aunt I believe played the role of Rowena. I can still vaguely recall seeing the Hugin arrive in Pegwell Bay. A Viking ship in Pegwell Bay ? something no-one had seen for over a thousand years!
Wow Geoffrey that is really great to have been involved in something like that.
Its looks amazing!!
Great work?..
I was 10 years old when Hugin arrived. My grandfather, Doc Alex Mercer was president of the local angling club and he had the honor of escorting Hugin into the bay. (Along with other official and unofficial craft!). I have never forgotten the excitement of the day and have published accounts in many publications all over the world, one can be found on my website?diogenes etc..
All the best to ?Bradstonians? and other readers.
Then Bobby Bottle (Now robert challen de mercer)