Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne Priory was founded in 635 off the north east coast of England. It was abandoned in the 9th century after repeated Viking raids, but was re-established in the 12th century. The priory continued to be used until 1537 when it was dissolved. The ruins are now open to the public.

History

in the 7th century England was not a state, but a collection of small kingdoms. At this time Northumbria in the north east was the most powerful. Its population was pagan, but in 634 Oswald ascended to the throne. He had converted to Christianity in his youth and wanted his subjects to follow his lead. To encourage this, in 635 Oswald invited Aidan from the monastery on the island of Iona on the coast of Scotland to establish monastic community in Northumbria. The site chosen for this new foundation was Lindisfarne, an island 10 miles from Bamburgh, the centre of Oswald's power.