Farne Islands are a group of about 25 small islands off the coast of Northumberland, in northeastern England. They lie opposite the town of Bamburgh and southeast of Lindisfarne (Holy Island). The Farnes, which are virtually uninhabited, are owned by the National Trust. The National Trust is a charity in the United Kingdom that protects various pieces of land and buildings that have beautiful or unusual natural features, or historical importance. The islands are an important sea bird sanctuary. More than 20 different species (kinds) of bird live there, including eider ducks, guillemots, puffins, razorbills, and terns. There is also a large colony of gray seals.
Saint Aidan visited the Farnes in A.D. 635. Saint Cuthbert set up a hermitage on the largest of the islands, known as Farne Island or Inner Farne, in about 676. In 1838, Longstone Island was the scene of a dramatic sea rescue. The lighthouse keeper and his daughter, Grace Darling, became famous for saving nine people shipwrecked during a fierce storm.
See also Darling, Grace Horsley ; National trusts .
