The Monastery of Lindisfarne was founded in 635AD by the Irish born monk, Saint Aidan. Saint Aidan came at the invitation of King Oswald, from the Monastery at Iona and Lindisfarne was to become the base from which the north of England was evangelised.

In the early Eighth Century, the now famous illuminated manuscript which were to become known as the Lindisfarne Gospels was created. This was a graphical representation of the latin copy of the gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John.

In the middle of the Tenth Century, Aldred, a Lindisfarne monk added an Anglo-Saxon gloss to the Latin text and this is the oldest surviving English versions of the gospel.

In 793AD the first recorded raid on the British coastline by Viking Longboats was written in the Anglo-Saxon chronicles. The Viking raids were very similar to the first harrying attacks of the Anglo Saxons on the British Isles less than three centuries before, nevertheless the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles make out that these heathen Vikings were the epitomy of evil. Many believe that this account of the Viking attacks, is why the Scandinavian raiders still are thought of as barbaric warriors today.

The riches of the Monastery were too much for the Vikings to ignore and attack after attack came Lindisfarne's way for a hundred years before the monks decided to flee with St Cuthbert's body (St Cuthbert was the fifth Bishop of Lindisfarne and a revered Saint), he now lies in Durham Cathedral.

With the coming of the Normans after the infamous Battle of Hastings, the ruined Monastery was replaced with a Priory which remains today. The Priory was a cell of Durham Cathedral and little is known of life on the Island during the centuries following the establishment.

Life was hard for the inhabitants of Lindisfarne and many took to trapping passing ships on the rocks so as to make a living.

Lindisfarne castle was built in the Sixteenth Century to help protect the island during the border troubles between Scotland and England. Northumberland was a batttleground between raiding Scottish and English troops and the Castle was built as a stronghold in a highly volatile region.

The official trail guide to St Cuthbert's Way. Visiting a number of places closely associated with the saint's life, this newly developed walk is full of historical interest and natural beauty. St Cuthbert is said to have started his ministry in Melrose in the Scottish Borders and finished in Holy Island, and today's pilgrims will link these places by a route which culminates in the Holy Island causeway at Beal.

The Lindisfarne Gospels is one of the world's greatest works of art in book form. It is an eighth-century Latin Gospelbook, with a 10th-century gloss, which is the earliest surviving translation of the Gospels into the English language. As such it is one of the great landmarks of human cultural achievement. Its maker was one of the greatest artists of the Anglo-Saxon and Celtic worlds, receptive to new influences and prepared to experiment with new techniques. This study seeks to take advantage of photographic and technical analysis as well as assessing previous work in the light of recent studies and archaeological finds. The book sets the Lindisfarne Gospels within its socio-historical context, during one of the world's formative periods of transition - from the Graeco-Roman world to that of the early Middle Ages.

The melting-pot of the multi-ethnic British Isles is reflected in the pages of the Gospels, and in Northumbria the rallying point for this was the figure of St Cuthbert and the church of Lindisfarne. The questions of where and when the Lindisfarne Gospels were made are addressed, but just as importantly the "why" is explored, in the context of new research concerning the technical innovation of its maker, his spiritual motivation and the needs of the society in which he worked.

Lindisfarne Castle

The castle is located on a volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig and can be seen for miles around the island. The castle was built mainly out of stone taken from the abandoned priory and is excellently maintained by the National Trust.

The entrance to the castle is very dramatic and it involves a steep climb from the rocky base. there is now hand rails here, though these are obviously a later feature.

The castle itslef is unique in that its size is somewhat smaller than most casles you will see around the United Kingdom. The rooms inside are somewhat cosier and the ceilings are not high like you would find in other similar structures. The materials used during a renovation a few hundred years ago give the castle a more homely feel, quite pleasant in fact. though the cold looking stone floors keep the medieval styling.

Lindisfarne Priory

The ruins of the Lindisfarne priory were plundered for building materials when the castle was being built in the Sixteenth Century. This leaves quite an evocative scene, though their is still quite a bit to see. The Architecture of the Priory was quite beautiful and even from the little remains you can see how it would of looked in its prime. The museum and church also has plenty of interest for the visitor with artefacts from both the Priory and the Anglo-Saxon Monastery.

Lindisfarne Harbour

The island's harbour is a wonderful place to take a stroll, taking in the wild surf with the sea air. The upturned boats that the harbour is famous for, are now used as shed for the local fishermen. These boats were once part of one of the biggest Herring fleets to fish from the East coast of Britain.

Visitors from the North East of England have been flocking to Lindisfarne for many years and now it is just as easy for others from across the United Kingdom, Europe and even worldwide.

Many Americans, Europeans and Antipodeans visit the UK, but usually limit themselves to the typical sights. This is a big shame as we have so much more to offer the tourist.

Budget airlines fly to Newcastle International airport, which is the main City of Northumberland and from there it is easy to organise trips to all over the County.

As in all my other lenses, I recommend using Travelocity for finding flights. They are extrmely reliable and you can find some great prices on there. Flights to the UK are usually great value and if you are flying to Newcastle from outside of Europe you will probably have to change planes in Manchester or London.




Newcastle itslef is a perfect place to stay for your vacation. Its quayside is lively, there is plenty to do and see and the shopping is amongst the best in the north. Buses and trains regularly leave for the Towns and Cities of the region and you are never far away from some magnificent scenery.

Hotels.com is a great place to find accommodation in Newcastle, with many choices to choose from.




Lindisfarne aside, there are plenty of excursion options available for you from Newcastle. The magnificent Hadrians Wall which kept the wild Northern Celtic tribes out of Roman Britania, the wonderful Cathedral City of Durham and even the Lake District is only a few hours away by train.

So when thinking of a trip to the UK, don't rule out the North East for London or Stratford-upon-Avon. Remember the British Isles offer alot more than Beefeaters and Shakespeare!