The history of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne has always fascinated Rob and I, particularly having the family name ‘LUNDGREN’ which for us, originates from Gotland, a small island in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Sweden.
There is a lot of evidence of Viking culture in Gotland and of course Lindisfarne is where the Vikings first raided in our country. It may have been the Danes who first stood foot on our Holy Island but we know that the Swedes got involved in future raids of our country.
There is very little physical evidence of the Viking invasion of Lindisfarne apart from a 9th century grave marker known as the Viking Domesday stone depicting armed men brandishing weapons. The stone can be seen in the Lindisfarne Priory museum and there are records to suggest that the attack by the Vikings was both a shocking and bloody affair. The church of St Cuthbert was plundered and many treasures were stolen during the attacks which sent shockwaves through Anglo-Saxon England.
The Viking Domesday stone, evidence of attacks on Lindisfarne
Of course there is more to Lindisfarne’s history than the fleeting Viking invasion in AD793. Its importance as the birthplace of Christianity and its association with St Aidan and St Cuthbert are much more significant, which is why our tour encompasses all of the history that took place on the island.
The statue of St Aidan who brought Christianity to Lindisfarne
Where possible, Rob likes to bring a fun element to his tours to provide both an entertaining and informative experience so this is why he has adopted the alias ‘Ragnar LUNDGREN’ for his Viking themed trips to Lindisfarne. He dresses as a Warrior and carries an authentic Viking sword but rest assured that he comes to the island in peace.
‘Ragnar Lundgren’ at Lindisfarne Priory – for purely photographic purposes
He provides a full experience with a walk around the island, visiting the statue of St Aidan, crossing to St Cuthbert’s Isle when the tide permits and climbing The Heugh to observe the Priory and the surrounding area. There are plenty opportunities to take photos and free time is allowed for lunch before a walk to Lindisfarne Castle. The tour ends at St Aidan’s Winery with free samples of Lindisfarne Mead and an opportunity to purchase local produce and souvenirs.
Lindisfarne Castle
So if you happen to see a young Viking Warrior brandishing a sword at Lindisfarne, don’t be afraid! If you ask him nicely, he may allow you to have a photo taken with him.
He’s really a friendly Warrior who likes his Mead – with Harry from St Aidan’s Winery
Karen Lundgren Jones
April 23rd, 2019
