We Explored the Holy Island Brutally Raided by the Vikings

In 793 AD, the holy island of Lindisfarne was subject to one of the most infamous Viking raids on Britain. ‘Heathen' men plundered the sacred monastery in an event that shook Christian Europe.

Dan Snow travels across the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne to discover the rich culture of this holy place before the Vikings raided - a beautiful site of pilgrimage and artistry. He also goes to Jarrow to discover more about the powerful Anglo Saxon kingdom of Northumbria and its great religious and historical writers such as Bede.

And History Hit is on site at the Lindisfarne excavations of DigVentures: working with Durham University they have uncovered remarkable rune-inscribed namestones and a charming glass gaming piece that reveals the vibrant culture of the North Sea world in the early medieval period. Most intriguing of all is a complicated multiple burial that Dan witnesses being meticulously excavated.

We also examine how the Lindisfarne attack of 793 fits with the wider story of Viking raiding and settlement. Dr Jane Kershaw of Oxford University puts it into context, from earlier forays further south to the economic factors that could have driven the Vikings seaborne adventures - raids that changed the kingdom of Northumbria, and far beyond, forever…
_________________

It was fascinating making this film and working with some very interesting organisations in the process:

And next to Jarrow Hall is the beautiful St Paul’s Monastery (English Heritage) and parish church, home to the Venerable Bede.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsely, Mary Beard and more. Watch, listen and read history wherever you are, whenever you want it. Available on all devices: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Xbox, Chromecast, and iOs & Android.

#vikings #lindisfarne #dansnow

[mgtf]

Bjorn, Sven and co did such a ‘thorough’ job we are still talking about it 1300 years later.
Love your work, Dan 👍

[MrTorleon]

As a young and enthusiastic history undergrad, I visited both of these religious houses many times, from the mid 1960`s onward. Now a retired Prof of Early Medieval History, but living far away, I continue to remain informed and in touch with the many often startling and surprising discoveries being made by equally enthusiastic archeologists - with finds that continue to add additional dimensions to our understanding, aided by a breathtaking range of scientific tools and technology.
Dan Snow presents a quite brilliant and carefully considered documentary, outlining all the important and relevant details to offer as an easily understood overview of these turbulent times :)

[iainfoxell]

I'm steadily becoming obsessed with History Hit. Good stuff, well narrated

[annecarter]

10 out of 10!!! This video has everything; history, culture, religion, archeology….. and Dan Snow!! Learned much. So well presented too!

[pfg]

I love these videos so much! I wish they were longer, though. Cheers from Patagonia!

[HawkqOjOp]

Dan, you must film a Part 2 about the locals on Holy Island!! Really enjoyed this! It caught my eye because one of my ancestors had a home there and at one point, in a failed attempt to restore the priory, attempted to buy it!! The beaches looking out to Holy Island are just stunning and if I ever get to visit from across the pond, I'm sure I'll stand there for hours. ⛪🏰

[LarsPallesen]

That was a quality video. Thank you very much. Your work is much appreciated. Love from Denmark.

[FranzBieberkopf]

I was on Lindisfarne this summer.
It is indeed beautiful, and also very quiet-perfect antidote to cities.

[BLASTSFROMTHEPAST]

One of the rare places that we can still physically connect to the sagas. Incredible.

[BaBiL_]

We Appreciate You Showing Us And Explaining Something That Not Many Have Seen In Real Life .. 👍🏼✌🏼

[tscully]

Excellent video with good details of the excavations ongoing there. Never really knew the whole story before.

[JackeyBoyyy]

I met the presenter of this show at trevi fountain in rome just about a month ago. Was so stoked.

[richiep]

This video is brilliant. Absolutely fascinating, and great access to incredible locations

[yolandabrinkman]

I was introduced to the magical county of Northumberland through the books of LJRoss. When i read Holy Island, i was off on a journey that has covered ten years of visits following the books' geographical treasure hunts. I am like that mystical "rubber ball that keeps bouncing back." It took me three visits to finally get inside Bamburgh Castle. I'm not complaining. The teashop is well worth a visit of six. And the pub at Holy Island is a rare treasure. The publican could not do enough for me. Such hospitality. Such a time filled with laughter. When i walked in after a four year gap, and he asked me what i would have, i replied "the usual please" the gentleman did not bat an eyelid, but you could see his brain ticking over, going over his stock. I hope he remembers me with equally fond emories. He does a good cup of tea.

[flaigus]

Hyem ❤

History Hit is fast becoming my favourite channel on YouTube. Fantastic content

[kiddwong]

Northumberland is such a "hidden" gem of the UK coast. Everyone goes to Cornwall but for my money, Northumberland is way more interesting to visit.

[BLzBob.]

Stayed on the island in the 1990s whilst on a lads fishing trip. Weather turned bad, so we couldn't get out to sea, so I walked the beaches and ruins. I have a strong sense of history anyway, but the vibes you get whilst walking round the ruins is almost emotional. There is a mystique to Lindisvarne that is hard to describe. Great vid by the way! 👍

[kimberlybrown]

It's amazing to be standing in a building that is 1000 years old!

[smithnatalie]

Love this! Recently visited Lindisfarne, you can’t help but imagine how scary it would have been for the monks at the time when Vikings arrived as you look out to the North Sea. 🌊

[salzaward]

Going over on the bus was really memorable. I had such a lovely day there last year.