Just off the northeast coast of England is the tidal island of Holy Island. Twice a day the causeway road linking it to the mainland is submerged by the sea. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries there was a Northumbrian fishing village located here.

During the summer men fished for herring from - so called - keelboats. The keelboat was built by eye, without a plan, following an ancient Scandinavian-influenced tradition. Fishing for herring began in June and ended early September. Before World War I herring fishing was important to the island’s inhabitants. In 1881 there were 27 keelboats registered but by 1901 there were just four. Poor catches and low prices were the reason that the Holy Island’s herring fishery ended.

Near The Ouse (the inner harbour) and beach on Holy Island there are several remains of traditional working boats. Though they are no longer seaworthy these boats have survived and are nowadays used as sheds. Covered in tar and other roof covering materials to make them more or less waterproof, the Boat-Sheds store nets and other equipment. About a dozen of these Boat-Sheds in different sizes and conditions remain.

Since 1550 there has been a small castle on Holy Island: Lindisfarne. Originally built as a fortification, it had strategic value with being so near to the Scottish border. Seen from almost every spot on the island, including from the Boat-Sheds, the castle is a stunning landmark.