This piece of fossilized Viking poop is so well-preserved, one paleoscatologist called it as “precious as the crown jewels.” Archaeologists have dated the dung back to the ninth century, when what’s now York was ruled by Norse warrior-kings.
This coprolite (human feces) was discovered in 1972 in York under what was to become a local bank. As such, it’s been named the Lloyds Bank coprolite, or more colloquially, the Lloyds Bank turd.
Paleoscatologists determined that the human who deposited this now-renowned, seven-inch specimen had a diet of meat and bread. Unfortunately for that poor, long-dead soul, they also had a handful of intestinal issues. The scat was scattered with Whipworm and Maw-worm eggs, which would have caused stomach aches and other more unfortunate gastrointestinal symptoms.
Today, the coprolite is on display in the museum section of the Jorvik Viking Centre inside a nondistinct glass box. In 2003, a visitor group dropped the specimen and broke into three pieces. It has since been repaired, but don’t expect to get your hands dirty holding it!
Know Before You Go
The coprolite is located inside the Jorvik Viking Centre, closer to the exit. An adult ticket costs £11.00.
