Saint Cuthbert

In 676 Cuthbert decided to become a hermit, someone who lives alone to be closer to God. He moved to a remote island near Lindisfarne called Inner Farne. He stayed there until 684, when Archbishop Theodore, hearing of his holiness, made him Bishop of Hexham. Cuthbert did not want to accept, preferring to be a hermit, but eventually agreed.

Cuthbert swapped roles with Bishop Eata, becoming Bishop of Lindisfarne instead of Hexham. He travelled around the region teaching and helping the poor, but continued to live a very simple life, as if he was still in the monastery. Only three years later in 686 Cuthbert realised his health was failing. He resigned as Bishop and returned to his hermitage on Inner Farne. He died on his beloved island on 20th March 687.

The monks brought his body back to Lindisfarne and buried it inside the church. Pilgrims began visiting and reported miracles of healing, a sure sign of Cuthbert’s holiness. Twelve years later, the monks decided to move Cuthbert’s remains to a new, small casket, which could be displayed above ground. But when they opened his coffin they were amazed to find, instead of bones, his body intact and undecayed - a sign of great sainthood. Pilgrims flocked to visit Cuthbert’s shrine and his fame spread far and wide.

Cuthbert became England’s most important early medieval saint, and a key figure in the religious and political life of the Kingdom of Northumbria. Kings, princes and nobles offered gifts, and looked for Cuthbert’s favour before going into battle. People were eager to please Cuthbert and gain his protection, perhaps by visiting Durham on pilgrimage, or giving gifts to the shrine.

Over time Cuthbert’s celebrity waned, particularly after the Reformation, but he continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the people of the North East as ‘their’ saint.