Walk in the footsteps of Saints (Attractions in Holy Island in general)

Member Name: robinlawrie

Product:	Attractions in Holy Island in general
Date:	07/01/02 (297 review reads)
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Lindisfarne or Holy island - The cradle of Christianity in this country - the jewel in the crown of Northumbria, and in its glorious history, a haven to Saints and Bishops.

To do true justice to the Lindisfarne experience I am going to let you into a secret. Come and visit out of season. It is no use whatsoever visiting the island at the height of the summer. Although you will see the priory and the castle in the warmth of a summers day, you will not get the feel of the island. Nothing is to compare with the experience of standing on the foreshore on a winters evening, looking back towards the mainland, watching the sea slowly creep across the causeway and listening to the cry of the oystercatchers. If the mists are just right, you can imagine the monks as they returned from their journeys on the mainland.

If at any time you are planning a visit to Scotland, think of stopping over at Lindisfarne. It is only 3 miles from the A1 and is ideally situated for a break on the journey south or north.

Why not visit and stay at one of the hotels or boarding houses on the island. You can stay at the excellent Lindisfarne Hotel, or how about the Retreat or Wild Duck cottage details and prices can be found at: www.lindisfarne.org.uk/accommodation.htm

It is important that you give consideration to the state of the tides on your arrival and departure. Never ever try and beat the tide. Many have and to their cost have found it not worth the risk.

What is it then that makes this little island so special?
Many small islands around our coastline have been called holy island for various reasons. The majority have had a hermit or holy man who isolated himself from the trials and tribulations of the outside world. Lindisfarne is the greatest and the only true holy island that we have in this country. Its dimensions are, three miles in length and one and a half miles wide. It is only an island at certain times of the tid
e. The fact that it is accessible by car at all other times draws thousands of people to it every year. Although a holy island in the Christian sense, it attracts visitors from all faiths, and beliefs. It was described at the court of Charlemagne as a "place more venerable than all in Britain." In 570, it was known as Inis Metcaut, which translates to "island of strong winds".

The history of the island began in when King Oswald of Northumbria asked monks from Iona to found a monastery on the Northumbrian coast. St. Aidan, a monk-bishop agreed and founded his see in 635. As time passed, Lindisfarne became the centre of all great Christian activity and was also the seat of sixteen successive bishops.

The venerable Bede thought highly of Aidan, and wrote the following:

"He never sought or cared for worldly possessions, and loved to give away whatever he received from kings or wealthy folk. Whether in town or country, he always travelled on foot, unless compelled by necessity to ride, and whenever he met anyone, high or low, he stepped and spoke to them. If they were heathen, he urged them to be baptized; and if they were Christians, he strengthened their faith and inspired them by word and deed to live a good life and be generous to others."

In 685, Lindisfarne was ruled for 2 years by none other than St. Cuthbert. His book called the "Lindisfarne Gospels" is preserved in the British Museum Library despite pleas to return it to its rightful home on Lindisfarne, or to Durham cathedral.

The ruins of the priory are in excellent condition despite raids from Vikings and Danes. It is easy to imagine the monks going about their daily lives as you stand in what remains of the cloisters.

At the southern end of the island is Lindisfarne castle, which is perched atop a rocky windswept crag, facing out into the North Sea and presents an exciting aspect. It was ori
ginally a Tudor fort, and converted into a private dwelling in 1903 by non other than Edwin Lutyens. The decoration and design of the small rooms have been faithfully preserved. A walled garden at the rear was designed by the world renowned Gertrude Jekyll.

The castle is open daily from 31 March to 31 Oct. Admission is £4.20; family (2 adults, 2 children under 17) £10.50.

Small shops on the island sell various tourist items as you would expect and there is also the Lindisfarne mead company, which makes and sells the famous Lindisfarne mead and various other products.

As I said earlier, my advice is to visit out of season and to enjoy our Northumbrian hospitality. You will leave being satisfied both physically (Northumbrian beef has to be tasted to be appreciated) and spiritually. For a deeper insight into the people who lived here try walking barefoot across the old causeway at low tide, but do so with reverence, remember that you walk in the footsteps of saints.

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