From The Neolithic To The Sea: A Journey From The Past To The Present

Lindisfarne Priory

Statistics
Category
County
Coordinates
Grid
Condition
Age
Admission
Abbey
Northumberland
55° 40′ 37.2″ N, 1° 47′ 42″ W
NU1289042630
Ruin
634
£
Map



  • History
  • Gallery
  • Gallery
  • Gallery
  • Gallery
  • Gallery
  • Gallery
Lindisfarne Priory is located on Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne in Northumberland.

The priory was founded in the Celtic Christian tradition, in about 634 by Aidan, Bishop of Iona. It soon fell into line with the Church of Canterbury. The priory is famous as it the site of the first Viking raid in England. The Vikings attacked the island in 793 and sacked the monastery and killed most of the monks. The priory was abandoned in 875 when the Vikings attacked again.

In 1081 the priory was taken over by the Benedictine order at Durham. The site was rebuilt in the 11th century and then extended through the next few centuries.

The priory was suppressed in 1537 and then mined for stone. Today the priory stands in ruins and is a Grade I listed building in the care of English Heritage.