Holy Isle

Lindisfarne, in the German Ocean, about eight miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed. It was once the see of the famous St. Cuthbert, but now the bishopric is that of Durham. The ruins of the old cathedral are still visible.

Ireland used to be called the Holy Island on account of its numerous “saints.”

Guernsey was so called in the tenth century in consequence of the great number of monks residing there.

Rugen was so called by the Slavonic Varini.

Scattery, to which St. Senanus retired, and swore that no female should set foot there, is the one referred to by Thomas Moore in his Irish Melodies, No. ii. 2.

“Oh! haste and leave this sacred isle

… For on thy deck, though dark it be.

A female form I see.”

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.