An archaeologist, Steve Dickinson, has put forward a new theory regarding the burial site of Ivar the Boneless, a significant figure in Viking history who is believed to have died around 873 AD. Historically, it has been speculated that Ivar was buried in Repton, Derbyshire, where a mass Viking grave containing the remains of hundreds was discovered. However, no direct evidence linking Ivar's burial to that site has ever been found, leaving historians searching for more clues regarding his final resting place.

Dickinson's new theory redirects attention to a mound in Cumbria, which he associates with a location referred to as “Coningeshou” or “Royal Mound” in medieval texts. He utilized a combination of literary sources and non-invasive ground surveys to identify this site, which measures about 60 meters in diameter and 6 meters in height. Surrounding this central mound are several smaller barrows that could potentially represent the graves of Ivar's relatives and warriors, forming what could be a larger Viking burial complex. This theory emphasizes that Cumbria was not merely the site of Viking raids but also a region where Vikings settled, suggesting a rich tapestry of Viking heritage within England.

The implications of discovering Ivar the Boneless's grave are significant not only for understanding Viking burial practices but also for shedding light on the broader Viking presence in England. If Dickinson's findings are validated, it could change the narrative around Ivar's historical significance and illuminate further insights into Viking society and its key figures. The mound presents an exciting opportunity for archaeologists to explore the Viking past in a region that has yet to be fully understood within this historical context.