Villages by the Sea

Archaeologist Ben Robinson investigates the history of the monks and the civilian population on Holy Island, Lindisfarne. The island, often referred to simply as Holy Island, lies off the coast of Northumberland in the north‑east of England. Robinson’s examination sheds light on the intertwined lives of these early inhabitants.

The series titled Lindisfarne is presented as a single episode of a television programme. It centres on a historical investigation and it's framed within the genre of an episode. The show’s focus is clearly defined, offering viewers a concise look at a specific place and its past. In this episode, archaeologist Ben Robinson takes the lead, probing the story of the island’s early inhabitants. He scrutinises the lives of the monks who established a religious community and the surrounding villagers who lived alongside them. His examination aims to piece together how these groups shaped the island’s development. He doesn't just look at the monks but also the villagers. The setting for Robinson’s inquiry is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a small landmass positioned off the coast of Northumberland. It's isolated position has preserved a distinct historical record, allowing the archaeologist to trace the interactions between the monastic settlement and the local populace. The island’s geography therefore plays a crucial role in the narrative. Through on‑site analysis and interpretation, the programme reveals how the monks’ spiritual pursuits intertwined with everyday village life. Robinson’s approach highlights the continuity between religious and secular histories on the island, providing a window into the combined heritage of both communities. The episode thus offers a focused look at Lindisfarne’s past.