We know that Norsemen in Orkney usurped the old Pictish power-base at Birsay. Early in the 9th century they established settlements on the Brough of Birsay and at Buckquoy and Saevar Howe, around the Bay.

Life in subsequent generations revolved around the seasons, trading and travelling and the establishment of strong communities. Large farms were built up. A typical 9th century Norse farm consisted of several rectangular buildings grouped together, dwelling-house, barns and byre, built with stone or stone and turf, walls and thatched or turfed roofs. Housing people and animals under one roof - the longhouse with dwelling and byre together - developed in the 11th century.

Flax became an important Orkney crop. Flax had been grown in Orkney before the Viking Age, but now the fashion for linen clothing made flax and the manufacture of linen more important than ever before. It is thought that the pleated linen gowns so prized Viking noblewomen were created by wrapping the wet pleated cloth tightly around whalebone boards. Special glass smoothers were made so that seams could be smoothed and the surface of the linen burnished to a high glass.

In time, Orkney came to be ruled by jarls established by royal authority from Norway. Toward the end of the 9th century, a force led by King Harald Fairhair and Earl Rognvald of Møre or Moeri in West Norway came to Orkney to put down the Viking "sea pirates" who had attacked Norway from bases in Orkney and Shetland. Harald made a grant of Orkney and other territory to Earl Rognvald. He transferred these lands to his brother, Sigurd. Sigurd the Mighty ruled Orkney as the first Jarl or Earl. He died in Scotland after defeating Melbrigda Tusk, Maormor of Ross. Originally pagan worshippers of Thor and Odin, many became Christians, and during the 10th century they took Christianity back to Scandinavia.

Viking clothing pic: permission Fotoviken & Bjorn

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