 The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is the oldest building on Holy Island. It is also the only building on the island that has work from the Saxon period, most notably in the Saxon arch touching the later early-english arch in the wall that divides the nave from the chancel. Also, high above this is a typical Saxon "door."
On the outside of the building looking towards the west are stones from the Saxon period where the nave joins the chancel. Possibly, some of these stones are from the church that was built around St Aidan's original wooden church, and, therefore, it is very likely that St. Aidan worshipped on this site after arriving on Lindisfarne in 635 A.D. The current church stems from the 12th and 13th Centuries.
About St. Mary the Virgin (Holy Island)
St. Mary's Parish Church, Holy Island Website
Holy Island of Lindisfarne Website
Wikipedia: Lindisfarne
Journey to St. Mary the Virgin (Holy Island)
The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin is off the A1 on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which is located just offshore of the Northumberland coast in Northeast England. Holy Island is linked to the mainland by a long causeway. Twice each day the tide sweeps in from the North Sea and covers the road to the island.
Streetmap UK NGR NU1289042630.
Visitors Information
Information on Holy Island may be found on the Holy Island website. Information on Northumbria may be found at the Visit Northumberland website.
Additional Photos of St. Mary the Virgin (Holy Island)
Sign for the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2004)
Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2004)
Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2004)
Church of St. Mary the Virgin and Lindisfarne Ruins, Holy Island (2004)
High Altar, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2013)
St. Aidan Banner, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2013)
Saxon Arch Touching the Later Early-English Arch, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2013)
Typical Saxon "Door" Above the Arches, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2013)
Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2013)
Entrance, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2013)
Church of St. Mary the Virgin from the Shore, Holy Island (2013)
Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island on Last Visit (2022)
Sign in Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2022)
Statue of Monks Carrying St. Cuthbert's Body, Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Holy Island (2022)
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