The Grand Old Duke of York

After our evening and a full day in Edinburgh, we were off once again on the bus. A full day ahead of us, we drove down the coast and were racing against time in order to avoid the afternoon tide as we drove to a small island called the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. On this island, with a total population of 180, is a castle and the ruins of a Norman-era Celtic Christian monastery. This unassuming island and its associated ruins hold a special place in the history of religion, and the English language. It became the base of Christianity in the North of Britain, better known as Northumbria. It was originally settled by Irish priests and was later home to a Bishop named Cuthbert. He has since been made a saint and a historical account of his miracles and life can be found in the writings of Bede, a Benedictine monk who wrote one of the first histories of the English. Lindisfarne became a pilgrimage for many Christians, especially after the death of Cuthbert. During the time of Henry VIII the monastery was burned down and most of it destroyed after Henry went on his crusade against everything Catholic. The ruins have become the site of a new kind of pilgrimage, one to remember the incredible history that it holds. It stands as a reminder that religion has played a pivotal role in not only British history but also world history. Lindisfarne is an example of the role that religion has had in the creation of the British identity. The fact that this is one of the places that English was recorded being written emphasizes the impact of religion on England. I think it adds to the primordial argument of British Identity, that these people are special in the eyes of God, and have been for forever. There is a sense of importance around the ruins of old churches and monasteries. I've been to a few over the course of this trip, and each of them has a special feeling around them, and those that take care of them take pride in their upkeep and in making sure that their histories are not forgotten. I have noticed that the British people are good at remembering certain parts of their history, and doing so spreads common myths that bring people together.

Our quick jaunt on this extraordinary island saw us headed to the city of York. We stopped here for the night, and to see the Church of St Peter, also known as York Minster. We didn't learn much about the history of this cathedral, but we did arrive in time to take part in the Evensong. I have only been to two different religious services aside from my church's weekly sacrament on Sundays. I went to an Anglican service when I was younger, then a few weeks ago I accidentally attended mass. The Evensong was a more open denominational service that offered both song and prayer from the Common Book of Prayer. With song offered by the York Minster Choir and the service with instructions on how to participate written on cards on the pews, it was beautiful and peaceful. I am always interested in learning about other religions, it helps me to understand other people's perspectives.

I spent the rest of the evening wandering the city with my friends. As the sun set over the river, we walked along the different bridges the city has, as well as on the wall that surrounds the old part of the city. As the evening went on, we were witness to quite the nightlife of York. Many people were out having fun and enjoying the evening. Through our explorations, we stopped to have Yorkshire pudding at a place that boasted world-renowned Yorkshire pudding filled with mashed potatoes, roast beef, peas, carrots, stuffing, and gravy. Because we were getting there right before closing, the food had been left under heat lamps all day long and everything was pretty dry. I wasn't that impressed and yearned for the Yorkshire pudding I had had when I was younger at a family friend's house. I love the puffiness of it, and how well it soaks up gravy when you have a roast. I wish we had had more time to explore York. Each place we go, I always want to explore more and get to know better.

(Above) This small street was our first taste of York as we walked from our hostel to the Cathedral. It made me feel like I was in Harry Potter. One thing I love about England is the character that the old buildings have. 

(Below) The Gothic Cathedral (one of so many) is York Minster. It was so much bigger inside than out, and they were having a Gala so it was set up with beautiful lights that bounced off of the stone and lit up the cathedral.  

(Below) I forget the name of the river that goes through York, but I highly suggest a walk along it at sunset. It's so calm and the colours of the sunset relfect off of it so nicely. There are also many swans in the area that add an extra beauty to the scene.