E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
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.
1
Ireland used to be called the Holy Island on account of its numerous “saints.”
2
Guernsey was so called in the tenth century in consequence of the great number of monks residing there.
3
Rugen was so called by the Slavonic Varini.
4
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.
