---
title: The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19073/the-holy-island-of-lindisfarne/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2024-06-12
---
# The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19073.png)
## Image Caption
A map illustrating the geography and history of Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. A tidal island off the northeast coast of [England](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/england/) in Northumberland, it holds significant historical and religious importance due to its early Christian monastery, founded in 635. The island became a center of Christian learning and missionary work in Anglo-[Saxon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saxons/) England. Its remote and serene location contributed to its role as a spiritual and scholarly retreat. [Saint Cuthbert](https://www.worldhistory.org/Saint_Cuthbert/), one of Lindisfarne’s most venerated figures, served as a monk and later Bishop of Lindisfarne. Around 700, the island monastery produced the Lindisfarne [Gospels](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Gospels/), an [illuminated manuscript](https://www.worldhistory.org/Illuminated_Manuscripts/) celebrated for its intricate [Celtic](https://www.worldhistory.org/celt/), Anglo-Saxon, and Christian designs.
The [Viking](https://www.worldhistory.org/Vikings/) raid on Lindisfarne in 793 is one of the first, most notorious, and historically significant events of the [Viking Age](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/29/the-viking-age/). On June 8, 793, Norse warriors attacked the island's monastery, looting its treasures, killing monks, and causing widespread devastation. This brutal assault shocked contemporary Christian [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/) and marked the dawn of the Viking Age, heralding a period of frequent raids and invasions across the British Isles and beyond.
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)
## External Links
- [The Viking Attack at Lindisfarne - The Primary Sources - MancHistorian](https://www.manchistorian.com/the-viking-attack-at-lindisfarne-the-primary-sources/)
- [THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF HOLY ISLAND (LINDISFARNE) | David Petts](https://www.academia.edu/22299647/EXPANDING_THE_ARCHAEOLOGY_OF_HOLY_ISLAND_LINDISFARNE)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Netchev, S. (2024, June 12). The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Holy Island of Lindisfarne." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 12, 2024. .
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Holy Island of Lindisfarne." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 Jun 2024, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 12 June 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.