Lindisfarne Castle

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The Castle

Lindisfarne Castle dates back to the16th century. It stands atop a rocky crag on Holy Island near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England. Holy Island was originally the home of a community of monks founded in 635 by St. Aidan of Ireland, and became the base from which northern England was evangelised. The

Photograph: Andrew Barker

original priory was devastated over time by Viking attacks, and was rebuilt in 1082 to honour St. Cuthbert.

The island can be reached by a causeway from mainland which is accessible only at low tide. The castle is small and looks like a fort, which is appropriate since it was built to protect English ships in Lindisfarne Harbour from Scottish and Viking attacks. Lindisfarne's position near the border between England and Scotland made it important in the many conflicts between the two countries. The castle sits on the island's highest point, Beblowe Hill.