A Trust-funded study aimed at developing a genetic map of Britain has begun to shed light on how the ancient populations of Britain – the Celts, Anglo Saxons and Vikings – moved into and across the country. Initial findings, presented in the Channel 4 series 'The Face of Britain' this month, support the notion that the Viking invasion of Britain was predominantly from Danish Vikings, with Orkney in particular being invaded by Norse Vikings.

Working with researchers across the country, Professor Walter Bodmer and colleagues at the University of Oxford have already collected some 1500 samples from volunteers and are looking to more than double that figure. In particular, they are interested in collecting blood samples from volunteers living in rural areas whose four grandparents were born in the same location, within a radius of approximately 30 miles.

The research team aims to characterise the genetic make-up of the British population and relate this to the historical and archaeological evidence. These samples will provide a valuable control for studies on disease susceptibility, as genetic markers linked to geography rather than disease can be eliminated.

The researchers have already carried out some analysis of the samples, as presented on 'The Face of Britain'. By studying the Y chromosomes from their male volunteers, the researchers have been able to show where the Viking invasions of Britain originated. One variant of the Y chromosome, known as M17, is found in 20 per cent of people from Norway, but is very rare elsewhere in western Europe. However, in the Orkney Islands, almost one man in three has this variant, supporting the belief that Norse Vikings settled there. In contrast, the M17 variant is not found in areas where the Danish Vikings settled, suggesting that Norse and Danish Vikings were significantly different.

People wishing to find out more about the project or to take part in the study can register online at the People of the British Isles website.

'The Face of Britain' is showing on Channel 4 from Saturday 14 April for three weeks. The episode to be screened this weekend (21 April) focuses on the Anglo-Saxons.

External links

• Find out more or take part
• A beginner's guide to historical investigation ('The Face of Britain' microsite)
• Oxford University's Medical Sciences Division