Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is an island off the coast of Northumberland, otherwise known as Holy Island. It is known as the cradle of Christianity in England.
It is accessible from the mainland by a causeway from Beal, but only when the tides allow.
Lindisfarne Priory was originally established by St. Aidan, who was invited from Iona by King Oswald in 635. It became the first Christian diocese in the North of England.
St. Colman, a later Bishop, led the Celtic party at the Synod of Whitby.
St. Cuthbert, another Bishop, arrived in 664. He was buried at Lindisfarne, at which time the island became a place of pilgrimage, but his remains were taken by monks at the time of the Danish invasions, eventually finding a home at what became Durham Cathedral.
The Danes destroyed the priory, but it was refounded from Durham by the Benedictines in 1083. The present ruins date back to this period. The priory is now in the care of English Heritage.
Lindisfarne Castle was built on Beblowe Crag in 1550. More recently it was restored by Edwin Lutyens, for Edawrd Hudson, founder of "Country Life". It was featured in Roman Polanski`s films "Cul de Sac" and "Macbath". The castle now belongs to the National Trust.
The parish church, with a buttressed bell tower, dates back to the 12th century.
The island is now designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and includes a bird sanctuary.
The "Lindisfarne Gospels", a beautifully illuminated 8th century manuscript, is now in the British Library in London.
Lindisfarne were a folk-rock group from the North East. Popular in the 1970s, their best-known recording is "Fog on the Tyne".