Holy Island is another name for the little island that is Lindisfarne, which is located off the coast of Northumberland in northern England. The island is accessible on foot and by car during low tide, but you must pay close attention to the warnings. In reality, the tide rises quite rapidly, and on average, at least one vehicle gets submerged in the water each month. While the permanent population of Lindisfarne is just about 160 people, the island receives thousands of tourists every year because of its popularity as a tourist attraction.
The Northumberland islet is home to a natural reserve that safeguards the local flora and fauna as well as the sand dunes, but the remnants of an old monastery and a castle are the primary attractions that bring tourists to the area.
It was an important nucleus in the evangelization of northern England, and Saint Aidano, an Irish monk, was known for the cultivation of medicinal herbs at the Abbey of Lindisfarne, which is now in ruins. The Abbey of Lindisfarne was built on the British island of the same name in 635 by Saint Aidano, and the island bears the same name.
The monastery was the final resting place of Saint Cuthbert, one of the most revered figures in the history of the British Christian church, and it eventually evolved into the spiritual epicentre of Anglo-Saxon England.
Lindisfarne also became a centre for study, and the school there, which was established in the eighth century, is renowned for having produced the illuminated manuscripts that are now known as the “Books of Kells.” These manuscripts were works of art, not just in terms of their handwriting but also their illumination.
Attacks by Vikings: In the year 793, Danish Vikings invaded and plundered Lindisfarne. This event marked the beginning of the Viking invasions of England and was the first of many. Because Lindisfarne was revered as a holy and holy location, Anglo-Saxon England was taken aback by this incident. Lindisfarne was not a place that could be violated.
The monks of Lindisfarne were forced to flee the island during the Viking invasions that occurred in the 9th century, carrying the holy relics of Saint Cuthbert with them. Before settling down in Durham Cathedral as their permanent home, the relics were transported all across England for close to two hundred years.
During the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation led to the dissolution of Lindisfarne Abbey, and the crown took possession of the abbey’s lands and belongings. After thereafter, the island was owned by a number of different individuals before the National Trust finally got its hands on it in 1944.
The castle on the island was constructed in 1550, despite the fact that the island sits directly on the boundary between England and Scotland. This fact needs to be taken into consideration. Not far from Berwick-upon-Tweed, which, depending on your point of view, can be thought of as either the final English town or the first Scottish town. Thus, politically, a very contentious region for many decades.
Because of its rich history and unique atmosphere, Lindisfarne in Northumberland draws a large number of visitors each year. During the course of the year, Lindisfarne plays home to a number of events, the most notable of which are the Lindisfarne Festival, a summer music festival, and the St. Cuthbert Procession, which takes place every April.
The island of Lindisfarne has a deep history of religious significance, and for hundreds of years it has served as a destination for religious pilgrims. Even in modern times, this location attracts a large number of people who are looking for some quiet time to themselves.
How to get to Lindisfarne Island?
You may reach there by taking a bus or a rail to Berwick, which is located on the major route between London and Edinburgh. As a result, there are regular services from London to travel to Berwick. You may reach Lindisfarne using the 477 bus if you depart from the Berwick station.
During the busy summer months, a bus leaves from Newcastle as well. The tides obviously have an effect on the schedules, and those schedules shift about every day; in fact, there are instances when the bus route is really beneath the water.
