Alex James

A Shropshire blacksmith, Rowan Taylor, will join a team in Denmark to forge an authentic eighth‑century Viking anchor using traditional bloomery iron under the guidance of expert Jens Olesen. The anchor will be installed on the reconstructed Viking vessel Huld, allowing researchers to test historical joinery techniques and compare performance with archaeological evidence. Taylor, a tutor at the National School of Blacksmithing, will be joined by two colleagues, reflecting the UK’s strong blacksmithing training reputation.