Holy Isle and Lindisfarne

Holy Isle is the location of the old settlement of Lindisfarne. Originally one of the bases for the Christenisation of England, the monks there were responsible for the Lindisfarne Gospels and a major influence in the styles of illuminated manuscripts.

After the Danes drove the original monks off the island, the priory was ressurected in Norman times, with the ruins of the building surviving to modern times. A small castle was constructed in the 16th century, and today the island is an active fishing village, with religious retreats and some tourist shops and Bed and Breakfasts.

Maire and I visited on Chistmas Eve 2000. It's rather photogenic, as you can see.

The Cat Inn, a few minutes drive from Holy Isle.	The Cat Inn proper. I'd highly recommend it if you need a place to stay in the area.	The fine view from the Cat Inn.
The Causeway to Holy Isle.	Maire on Holy Isle.	The castle, from the village.
Living amoungst great history needn't rob you of a sense of humour.	Maire watching the sunrise over the priory. One of the best photos I've ever taken.	holyisle-017.
holyisle-018.	holyisle-019.	The salt-weathered stone.
Sunrise.	Sunrise.	Castle at dawn.
The castle on the mainland heads.	Sunrise on glassy water.	Castle walls.
Nesting fulmars.	Lindisfarne Castle.