www.telegraph.co.uk Almost one million Britons alive today are of Viking descent.
BritainsDNA carried out a genetic study of more than 3,500 men. They compared the Y chromosome markers - DNA inherited from father to son - to six DNA patterns that are rarely found outside of Scandinavia and are associated with the Norse Vikings. One in 33 men can claim to be direct descendants of the Vikings.
The most prominent areas of the country for Norse Viking ancestry are found South of Scotland, in Yorkshire, and in Northern England.
The Norse warriors’ British rule ended more than 900 years ago. Records estimate that the first Viking longships landed in Britain in 793AD and that the Vikings went on to rule parts of England until they were defeated during the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.
BritainsDNA carried out a genetic study of more than 3,500 men. They compared the Y chromosome markers - DNA inherited from father to son - to six DNA patterns that are rarely found outside of Scandinavia and are associated with the Norse Vikings. One in 33 men can claim to be direct descendants of the Vikings.
The most prominent areas of the country for Norse Viking ancestry are found South of Scotland, in Yorkshire, and in Northern England.
The Norse warriors’ British rule ended more than 900 years ago. Records estimate that the first Viking longships landed in Britain in 793AD and that the Vikings went on to rule parts of England until they were defeated during the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.
Long house, Old Samum. www.bbc.co.uk The Viking culture left behind buildings, traditions and place names used in the English language today. The British use of understatement and satire is thought to originate from the Vikings, typically noted for raping and pillaging throughout history, when they brought trade from across the world to British shores. This could explain the difference in a sense of humor between nations, in particular between the English and the American—slap stick versus dry wit.
In a typical example of humor exchange between the Germans and the English, the Germans leave their towels on outdoor chairs overnight in holiday resorts so they can claim the spot the next morning. The English whip around and remove them early in the morning.
As a former Australian, I like both types of humor. During the 50s, I grew up watching television programs from both nations. 'I Love Lucy' & 'The Twilight Zone' from America and 'Robin Hood' & 'Television Newsreel' from England.
As to Viking ancestry, I wouldn't know. My grandparents came from the southern region of England. However, a mixture of races is the clear message we can gain from the tests. Mankind's genes mixed right from the earliest times—Neanderthal and modern humans. Is there any point in making a distinction?
In a typical example of humor exchange between the Germans and the English, the Germans leave their towels on outdoor chairs overnight in holiday resorts so they can claim the spot the next morning. The English whip around and remove them early in the morning.
As a former Australian, I like both types of humor. During the 50s, I grew up watching television programs from both nations. 'I Love Lucy' & 'The Twilight Zone' from America and 'Robin Hood' & 'Television Newsreel' from England.
As to Viking ancestry, I wouldn't know. My grandparents came from the southern region of England. However, a mixture of races is the clear message we can gain from the tests. Mankind's genes mixed right from the earliest times—Neanderthal and modern humans. Is there any point in making a distinction?
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