Gazetteer of
British Place Names

The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Northumberland. The group has between 15 and 20 islands depending on the level of the tide and are an internationally important wildlife habitat. The islands are first recorded in 651 when they became home to Saint Aidan, followed by Saint Cuthbert. Remains still exist of a 14th-century chapel known as St Cuthbert's Chapel. They are also associated with the story of Grace Darling and the wreck of the Forfarshire. Grace was the daughter of Longstone lighthouse-keeper William Darling, and on 7 September 1838 when she was aged 22, with her father she rescued nine people from the wreck in a strong gale and thick fog. The islands have no permanent population but rangers live on the islands for most of the year. It is within the council area of Northumberland.

Place Type: Historic Countryside
Historic County: Northumberland
Island: Farne Islands
Lat, Long: 55.631546,-1.624554
Grid Reference: NU 2373 3761
Civil Parish: North Sunderland CP
Council Area: Northumberland CA
Strategic Authority Area: North East SA
Police Area: Northumbria PA

GBPN ID: 301782
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Farne_Islands,_Northumberland_301782

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