The Priory at Lindisfarne on Holy Island
The Priory was founded by St Aidan in 637 AD. It became a very important religious center in northern England and had amassed a large fortune in gifts. It was the first site to fall to the Vikings as they began to explore European places: <https://www.britannica.com/event/Lindisfarne-Raid>. Holy Island remains a very popular tourist site to this day. It is only accessible when the tide is out as the road in is covered by the sea at high tide. We arrived early in the morning and got onto the island without being stopped by anyone and were alone on the grounds until a Medieval Fair began preparing for the opening of the site. More on the long history of this famous site can be read here: <https://www.historyhit.com/locations/lindisfarne-priory/>.
Lindisfarne Castle.
Farmhouse and fishing boats above the beach.
St Cuthbert retired to this tiny island and lived as a recluse praying.
Statue to St Cuthbert who lived at the Priory for a short time.
Full view of the Priory from the hill above it.
Famous arch and double arch of the Priory.
Statue to St Aiden.
Monument to St Cuthbert.
View down the aisle toward the new church built later.
Typical weapons used in the occasional mock battles with the Vikings.
