Tourism: the Gospel truth

Mar 28 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE Lindisfarne Gospels could be used to kick start a new era of tourism in the North East as campaigners look to capitalise on the region’s unique heritage.

When the Gospels return on loan in 2010 many are hoping they will provide the focal point for a series of tourist events designed to bring together individual landmarks covering the whole of the North.

Tourism experts and some of the region’s leading voices in the campaign to permanently bring home the Gospels believe the region’s Christian heritage of abbeys and monuments could be sold as one package enticing history fans from across the world.

Walks and tours are being planned to repeat across the region the success of Hadrian’s Wall, which is viewed as among the North East’s bestselling points by tourism bosses.

Stretching as far as Whitby and York in the South and across the borders in the North, the heritage walks would provide a focal point for an often unnoticed history.

Experts say the Synod of Whitby, where the English church adopted the Roman-led version of Catholicism over the established Irish/Celtic version, changed the face of the region.

Yet this vast heritage of abbeys and historic sites is now promoted by tourism groups on individual terms.

Chris Kilkenny has helped plot and organise one of the region’s few walks built around the religious history.

Cuddy’s Corse is a series of walks following the route St Cuthbert’s body and the Gospels followed when they were moved around the region to avoid the wrath of the Vikings in 875AD.

Mr Kilkenny said not enough people realised the depth of “rich history” in the region.

He said: “The aim is to use the name to open up a large number of Cuthbert routes and also show people a history they may not be aware they had.

“We can link up large parts of the North East here, with people if they want, for example, the chance to use a key route from Holy Island down to Durham along a very devious but enjoyable route.

“There are huge numbers of ramblers’ groups across the area who would be benefit but also a lot of people who would just like the odd walk here and there.

“We just have to look at the impact Hadrian’s Wall has had on tourism to see the potential here for other businesses.

“I think we’d open up routes and a history people may not normally appreciate.

“Of course, to make this more of a reality what we need is money and support from councils and tourism groups.

“We have some of the route along Durham signposted now and it would be great to see that expanded across the region.”

Development agency One North East has lent its early support to the emerging heritage trail.

A spokeswoman said: “We know from research that the history and heritage of the North East is appealing to potential visitors, particularly from places like America and Australia, to the region.

“So any ways of presenting heritage in an exciting and accessible way could be very positive for the region and its visitor appeal.”

:: THE Journal is running an online survey to gauge opinion on the Gospels. Go to www.journallive.co.uk and click on the link on the homepage to fill in the short survey or head to our section featuring previous stories about the campaign to bring the sacred book back to the region – it can be found at www.journallive.co.uk/lindisfarne gospels.

Page 2: Possible highlights of the Gospels heritage trail