This time last year I had the pleasure of visiting Lindisfarne. This was the name given to the Island by the first Anglo-Saxons to live there and we do not know the meaning of the word. But the monks of Durham, after the Norman Conquest, added the words Holy Island when they looked back over the story which began with the coming of Saint Aidan and the building of the first monastery in 635AD, which continued with the ministry of the "very popular" Saint Cuthbert but then received a staggering blow from the Viking attack in 793AD. Both to the Durham monks who died as Christian martyrs in this pagan attack and the earlier saints made the Island what was deservedly named"Holy".
The Golden Age of Lindisfarne: The period of the first monastery is referred to as the "Golden Age" of Lindisfarne. Aidan and his monks came from the Irish monastery of Iona and with the support of King Oswald (based at nearby Bamburgh) worked as missionaries among the pagan English of Northumbria. In their monastery they set up the first known school in this area and introduced the arts of reading and writing, the Latin language and the Bible and other Christian books (all in Latin). They trained boys as practical missionaries who later went out over much of England to spread the Gospel. Aidan also encouraged women to become nuns and girls to receive education but not in this monastery. In time Lindisfarne became known for its skill in the Christian art of which the Lindisfarne Gospels are the most beautiful surviving example.
The Benedictine Period: After the Norman Conquest (1066) the Benedictine monks of Durham possessed the still none decayed body of St.Cuthbert and saw themselves as the inheritors of the Lindisfarne tradition. Here on the Island they built the second monastery, a small Benedictine house staffed by Durham monks. This monastery was beset by a number of troubles, especially during the border wars between England and Scotland. It was finally dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536. The ruins of the second monastery can be seen on the Island today. The first monastery, originally built entirely in wood, has disappeared. But there is evidence that the present parish church of St.Mary the Virgin stands on the site of Aidan's original monastery.
The beautiful parish church, the oldest part of the stonework predates 1066AD, has been the villagers' church down the centuries. It is a living church, which holds three services of worship everyday, as well as extra services for the large number of visitors who use it. It is of course still used for the baptisms, marriages and funerals of the island people. Many schools and other organisations come here and ask for talks on the church itself or the story of the island.
The Presbyterian Period: In the 18th century a number of the Islanders became Presbyterians and during the 19th century they built the smaller St.Cuthbert's church. This became a "United Reformed Church" after the union of the Presbyterians and Congregationalists. At present there are no Island families which are regular members of this church but the building has adapted and now has new role, particularly in service to the huge number of Island visitors.
The Roman Catholic Centre: The centre comprises a large youth hostel belonging to the Society of St.Vincent de Paul where groups of children, often deprived, are brought in the summer to experience a sea-and-country holiday. This centre is also available for use by other groups. Masses are celebrated weekly here during the summer months. Currently there is no Roman Catholic priest, though a United Reformed minister and several Anglican clergy do reside on the Island.
Pilgrimage: The Island is a centre of pilgrimage, particularly during the summer season. A pilgrimage to the island range’s from that of individuals and small groups, to diocesan pilgrimages of several thousand people. There is a retreat house for groups and individuals. Several other Christian organisations use the Island as a focal point and recent interest in Celtic Christianity has brought many seekers and enquirers. For more information on Lindisfarne, Click Below.
