Lindisfarne Priory
Nestled on the serene shores of Holy Island in Northumbria, accessible only during low tide by a narrow causeway. The Priory was originally founded in the 7th century by Saint Aidan, this sacred site became a beacon of Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon world, renowned for its influential role in the spread of the faith throughout the British Isles. However, its history is not devoid of turmoil, as it endured Viking raids and political upheavals that shaped its evolution over the centuries. Join us on a journey through the hallowed halls of Lindisfarne Priory as we unravel the rich tapestry of its past and explore the enduring legacy it has left on the landscape of British history.
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Saintly Beginnings
The first recorded evidence of settlement in Bamburgh appears in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in the year 547. According to this chronicle, King Ida of Bernicia, an Anglian ruler, commissioned the construction of a fort at Bamburgh.
King Æthelfrith was killed in battle in 616 by Edwin who sought to reclaim his father's kingdom of Deira, which Æthelfrith had seized control of. King Æthelfrith’s son, Oswald fled into exile and was educated and baptised by the Irish monks of Iona. Following the death of Edwin in 633, Oswald emerged from exile to reclaim his rightful place.
Oswald rallied his forces and prepared for battle. Legend has it that on the eve of the decisive encounter, Oswald received a divine vision—a visitation from Saint Columba, who bestowed upon him words of support and encouragement. The following day, despite odds being against Oswald he emerged victorious.
In 634, Oswald summoned the Irish monk Aiden, destined to be known as Saint Aiden, to help spread the word of Christianity and convert the Anglo-Saxons from paganism to Christianity. He generously granted the Island of Lindisfarne for the establishment of a monastery in the heart of the Northumbrian kingdom.
For the subsequent 240 years following its establishment, Lindisfarne served as both a monastery and the seat of a bishop. According to Bebe's account, dating back to the 660s, the monastery comprised only a handful of essential structures essential for the sustenance of the community. There was a church but its exact location has become obscured by the passage of time
Saint Cuthbert
In the year 651, Cuthbert embarked on a profound spiritual journey, leaving behind his life as a shepherd; he joined the monastery at Melrose as a monk. In the 670s, Cuthbert's arrival at Lindisfarne marked the commencement of a transformative era for the monastery. Cuthbert embarked on a mission to reform the monastic rule.
The reforms sparked considerable discord among the monks of Lindisfarne, leading to simmering tensions. Cuthbert ultimately made the decision to retire and retreat to the solitude of Inner Farne to live out his life as a hermit, Cuthbert embraced the solitary existence of a hermit, dedicating his days to prayer and silent contemplation.
In 685, Cuthbert was forced out of retirement by King Ecgfrith and made Bishop of Hexham, and later Lindisfarne and became renowned for his abilities as a pastor, seer and healer. In 687, Cuthbert, perhaps sensing the approach of his earthly end, withdrew back to his hermitage on Inner Farne and died there shortly after.
Despite Cuthbert's expressed desire to be laid to rest on Inner Farne, the monks of Lindisfarne made the decision to bring his remains back to the monastery and bury him in the church.
Eleven years after his burial, when the monks sought to transfer Cuthbert's remains to a new coffin, they were astounded to discover his body preserved in an incorrupt state. This extraordinary phenomenon was interpreted as a divine affirmation of Cuthbert's saintly status, sparking the beginning of the cult of Saint Cuthbert. Soon after reports of miracles began to proliferate at St Cuthbert’s shrine and Lindisfarne became a major pilgrimage site.
Between 700-725 the Lindisfarne Gospels were created at Lindisfarne, this extraordinary work of art represents a splendid copy of the Latin New Testament, adorned with exquisite illustrations and ornate decorations, rendering it one of the most magnificent masterpieces of early medieval art.
Troubled Times
During the 8th century, Lindisfarne was at the height of its prominence, King Ceolwulf abdicated in 737 and chose to reside at Lindisfarne for the subsequent 27 years. His successor King Eadberht besieged the church in 750, the reason why has been lost to time. In 793, Lindisfarne witnessed the burial of one of Northumbria's most prominent noblemen, Ealdorman Sciga, however his passing was marked by disgrace as he had taken his own life. This act carried profound political implications for the Lindisfarne community.
The 8th of June 793 marked a pivotal moment in history for the Lindisfarne community as Viking longships emerged on the horizon, heralding an era of profound change. This incursion signalled one of the earliest and most savage assaults on English soil by Viking raiders. The attack held particular significance as it targeted one of England's most revered religious sites.
By 873, Viking armies were moving into Northumbria and in 875 the monks at Lindisfarne fled, taking with them St Cuthbert’s coffin and his relics, Eventually, these sacred artefacts found their resting place in Durham Cathedral, where they remain to this day.
Lindisfarne Priory
In 1069, St Cuthbert’s relics were temporarily returned to Lindisfarne; this event coincided with the establishment of Lindisfarne Priory, serving as an outpost for Durham Cathedral. It is believed that it was in the 1120’s that the church we see today was built on the site of the old monastery. Within the church an empty tomb marked the spot where it is thought that St Cuthbert was originally laid to rest. Only a few monks lived at Lindisfarne during these times, at its height there were 10 during the 13th century.
The late 13th century saw escalating tensions between England and Scotland, culminating in King Edward I of England invading Scotland in 1296. This military campaign placed Lindisfarne directly within the contested frontier zone between the two nations. The conflict had profound repercussions on Lindisfarne's economy, particularly its income.
Prior to the war, the Scottish kings were significant purchasers of corn from Lindisfarne's mainland estates, contributing substantially to the priory's revenues. However, the hostilities disrupted this trade, causing a significant downturn in income for Lindisfarne.
The dwindling financial resources led to a gradual decline in the number of monks residing at Lindisfarne. By 1345, the monk population had already halved from its previous count of ten, and further dwindled to only two or three by the early 15th century.
With the priory being so close to the English Scottish border they were obliged to fortify it. However once they had fortified it the monks were concerned that they did not have the means to protect the newly fortified priory from falling into enemy hands and in 1385 they requested to dismantle the fortifications, but the request was not granted.
The strategic location of Lindisfarne Priory, situated near the volatile English-Scottish border, meant that the monks were required to fortify it. However, despite the defensive measures taken, the monks of the priory expressed apprehension about their ability to adequately defend the priory from potential threats on being taken over by the enemy. In 1385, recognising their vulnerability and the limitations of their resources, the monks formally petitioned for permission to dismantle the fortifications, but the request was not granted.
The accounts from the 15th century provide insight into the relatively comfortable lifestyle enjoyed by the monks who remained at Lindisfarne Priory during this period. Exotic foods such as ginger, almonds, and olive oil were purchased. Additionally, renovations and improvements to the church, such as the installation of new windows, indicate ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the priory's infrastructure.
However, despite the relative comfort afforded to the monks, it appears that life within the priory may have lacked excitement or stimulation for some individuals. This notion is supported by historical records, including a letter from Durham in 1465, which reprimanded two monks from Lindisfarne for their misconduct. The letter cited their frequenting of taverns and engaging in games of dice, suggesting that these monks had strayed from their religious duties and succumbed to worldly temptations.
Dissolution of the Monasteries
During the reign of King Henry VIII life at Lindisfarne Monastery changed forever. Following Henry's break with Catholicism and the Pope he began the dissolution of the monasteries, many religious centres were taken into the crown's control, their assets stripped and then closed, this fate befell Lindisfarne in 1537.
In the 1540’s 3 earth-and-timber defences were built around the harbour on Lindisfarne Island and the priory buildings were used as storage. The priory buildings eventually fell out of use in the early 17th century. Over time, without ongoing maintenance and upkeep, the structures gradually succumbed to decay and neglect, eventually becoming ruins.
The history of Lindisfarne Priory is a captivating tale of faith, resilience, and adaptation spanning over a millennium. The Priory has been looked after by the English Heritage since 1984 and is open to the public to visit. The priory continues to draw visitors and pilgrims, offering glimpses into England's early Christian heritage.