Editing Lindisfarne (section)

====Middle Ages economy====

Monastic records from the 14th to the 16th century provide evidence of an already well-established fishing economy on the island.{{sfn|Porteous|2018a}} Both [[Fishing line|line]] fishing and [[Fishing net|net]] fishing were practised, inshore in shallow waters and in the deep water offshore, using a variety of vessels: contemporary accounts differentiate between small '[[coble]]s' and larger 'boats', as well as singling out certain specialised vessels (such as a '[[Herring as food|herynger]]', sold for £2 in 1404).{{sfn|Porteous|2018b|p=55}} As well as supplying food for the monastic community, the island's fisheries (together with those of nearby Farne) provided the mother house at Durham with fish, on a regular (sometimes weekly) basis. Fish caught included [[cod]], [[haddock]], [[herring]], [[salmon]], [[porpoise]] and [[Mullet (fish)|mullet]], among others. [[Shellfish]] of various types were also fished for, with [[Lobster fishing|lobster nets]] and [[oyster dredge]]s being mentioned in the accounts. Fish surplus to the needs of the monastery was traded, but subject to a [[tithe]]. There is also evidence that the monks operated a [[lime kiln]] on the island.{{sfn|Finlayson|Hardie|2009}}

In 1462, during the [[Wars of the Roses]], [[Margaret of Anjou]] made an abortive attempt to seize the Northumbrian castles. Following a storm at sea 400 troops had to seek shelter on Holy Island, where they surrendered to the [[House of York|Yorkist]]s.{{sfn|Jacob|1988|p=533}}