Lindisfarne is more commonly referred to as the Holy Island and is in fact a tidal island that is situated off of the northeastern coast of England. Less than 200 people live in the area and can only be reached by a causeway that is cut off twice a day due to the tides.
St. Aidan was responsibly for creating the monastery of Lindisfarne after he was sent to Northumbria by King Oswald in 635 AD. Monks were the first to settle on the island and it then became a Christian base for their mission.
One of the most famous things to come out of Linsifarne is the Lindisfarne Gospels that were created in the early 700s. The gospels were originally in Latin and then were turned into one for the first English versions of the Gospels in the 900s. A lot of the work that was put into the Gospels was destroyed thanks to a Viking attack in 793 that ransacked the monastery and killed off most of the community. The monks scattered from the area after the attack and took the body of St. Cuthbert with them. St, Cuthbert is now buried at the famous Durham Cathedral and is one sight that people usually stop in and see when touring around Northumberland.
The entire priory was reestablished soon after but was then suppressed by Henry VIII in 1536. In modern times, the monastery has become a part of English Heritage and the government still runs a visitor centre which a parish church in the area is still used to this day. More recently, Lindisfarne has become a hub for the recreation of Celtic Christianity and also a very popular area of retreat for people looking to get away on a much needed holiday.
For many years Lindisfarne was a main fishing community but tourism has sprouted in the area over the years and main it mainly a centre for tourists to visit and be amazed by. If you plan to take a trip to Holy Island then you will want to stay on the island when the tide leaves in order to experience the quiet nature and cozy atmosphere that it offers. If you are lucky then it is even possible to walk across the sand during low tide in order to access Pilgrams Way which still has remnants of yester years.
One of the most popular dishes on Holy Island is the crab sandwiches that can be found all around local cafes and shops. One of the must sees on the island is Lindisfarne Castle which has been renovated to include a very eclectic and arts and crafts style and a garden that has to be seen to be believed. The lime kilns that are nearby are also open to the public as well as the garden and castle.
The limeburning industry is extensive on Holy Island and the kilns that you will come across are some of the most complex in all of the UK.
No matter when you decide to visit, or how long you decide to say, the history that is entrenched on Lindisfarne on Holy Island is something that everyone should experience for themselves when traveling or visiting Northumberland.
