Holy Island

Holy Island

The field trip started like all the others, an early rise to make sure we got a chance to view the coast, as well as to make sure we got to Holy Island in time to see as much as we could in the little time frame available.  When we arrived at the coast by Bamburgh Castle, many of the students couldn’t wait to get off the bus.  For some reason or another, the journey to the coast was rather bumpy one and caused a lot of the students to have motion sickness.  Luckily for me, I was not one of them! 

Here at the coast we were given fifteen minutes to get out and view the ocean as well as document our travels.  It was nice to get out and walk around the shoreline, which I quickly realized how thankful I was that my mom had sent me wellies, aka rain boots, as they came in quite handy.

 



Me on the coast with Bamburgh Castle behind me

Our fifteen minutes at the coast went pretty quick, and then we were off to Holy Island.  Holy Island is a small island which is known as a tidal island, meaning that only during certain times the tide allows for there to be a path to get to it.  This makes it very important that those who plan to travel check the time tables to make sure they have enough time to safely make it across and back in time.  And although this is just a small island, its history is jam-packed and it has lots of sights to see! 



what happens during tide on Holy Island
This is why it is importantto pay attention to the tide tables
(image from lakedistrictnow.net)

When we arrived on the island we were brought to the museum of Holy Island where we learned a bit more history of the island and the Lindisfarne Priory.  Lindisfarne, we learned, thanks to Christine, was founded in 635 by Aidan who was an Irish monk who was sent to establish a base for Christians in early Anglo-Saxon England.  Here monks began to settle and establish a monastery, although simple in its form, it was here where they produced great works of art, such as the Lindisfarne Gospels.  The Lindisfarne Gospels are illuminated manuscripts which illustrate the first four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.  The impressiveness and uniqueness of these Gospels lie in its style, incorporating Anglo Saxon and Celtic themes to produce a new type of religious art all its own.



The Lindisfarne Gospels
(image from guardian.co.uk)

Although the Gospels were not here at Holy Island anymore, I was really excited to see the remains of the priory in which it was produced.  Our group went outside and walked up to the ruins of the priory.  Even in its ruined state, the priory is something amazing.  The architecture that remains of the building was breathtaking.  It made me wonder how impressive this building would be if it was still in perfect condition.

 

From the priory we moved on next to the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin.  The church is still used today, so we were only there for a few minutes to make sure we didn’t bother anyone who wanted to come and use it.  The interior was dark, yet still very beautiful and contained a very interesting sculpture as well. 

 From there we traveled to the coastline where I and other students walked along the coast to find remains of old pottery.  I was able to find some very interesting pieces of ceramic, as well as a handle to what would belong to a teacup of some sorts.

After spending quite a bit of time near the coast, I was starting to get chilly from the wind that was whipping off the sea so I decided I better go check out the Lindisfarne Castle while we still had some time.  Lindisfarne Castle was built in the mid sixteenth century during which Henry the VIII was at war with Scotland for the purpose of defending the islands harbor.  The first thing I noticed as I walked up to the castle was that it was rather small, especially after seeing Bamburgh Castle earlier in the day, and living in Alnwick Castle.  I was a bit let down that the castle was closed; I would have liked to have had a tour.  Even though there was no tour, the view from the door at the castle was breathtaking and worth the journey to the castle.

After the castle we decided we would try to find a place that had coffee or tea to warm us up.  However on our walk back we were greeted by a man who told us the tide was coming early and we had to leave within the next twenty minutes or we’d be stuck on the island. With that we quickly rushed back to the bus stop and waited for the rest of the group to arrive.  Once we were all on the bus, we quickly began our departure back inland.  I have to be honest; I was quite worried as we drove down the road that leads you inland as the water began to swell around the bus.  I didn’t think we were going to make it; the road seemed to be never ending!  Soon enough we made it inland and we were safe!  Thank goodness! 

All in all I have to say this trip was definately worthwhile and I had a lot of fun, except for the thought of possibly getting stuck on the island!  It made me think and wonder how people who live on the island get around and do things.  A part of me would like to stay there during the tide and see what it is like.  Perhaps another day!  Overall I learned a great deal about this island, the Lindisfarne Gospels and the castle itself.