next to it.
Christian Heritage
North East England is known as ‘the Cradle of English Christianity’ following Lindisfarne, or Holy Island as it’s known locally, being home to England’s first Christian community. It was led by St. Aidan, whose statue stands by Lindisfarne Priory ruins. Aidan was followed as Bishop of Lindisfarne by St. Cuthbert, who established the island as an important centre of learning.
Click here to view all Christian Heritage
Land of Christian history and heritage
It is in Cuthbert’s honour that the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were written – you can turn the pages of an interactive version in the island heritage centre.
Durham Cathedral, founded in 1093 to house Cuthbert’s tomb, is a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s finest examples of Norman architecture.
It also contains the tomb of the Venerable Bede, the Benedictine monk and scholar who became known as the ‘Father of English History’ for his written works.
The Wearmouth-Jarrow monasteries of St. Peters and St. Paul’s, where Bede spent his life, are jointly nominated for World Heritage Site status.
Bede’s life and times are celebrated at Bede’s World near the site of the Jarrow monastery at St. Paul’s Church. Read more about the influence of these historical figures on our landscape in an article from our 2009 Holiday Magazine.
