Holy Island's 350-Million-Year-Old Fossil Discovery: Ancient Sea Lily 'Smiles' Again
A rare crinoid fossil was found on Holy Island, revealing layers of history.
Top Summary
- What happened: A volunteer discovered a 350-million-year-old crinoid fossil, nicknamed the 'smiling fossil', near St Cuthbert's shrine on Holy Island.
- Why it matters: The find connects prehistoric marine life to the island's rich spiritual and historical significance, offering insights into the Carboniferous period.
- What changes for people: The discovery highlights the layered history of Holy Island, blending science and faith and reinforcing its cultural identity.
- Who is affected: Historians, paleontologists, pilgrims, and anyone interested in the intersection of geology, history, and spirituality.
A 'Smiling' Fossil Unveiled
Christine, a volunteer exploring Lindisfarne (Holy Island), discovered what appeared to be a set of teeth. The object turned out to be a 350-million-year-old crinoid fossil.
The fossil resembled a miniature dental plate. The unusual shape stood out from the darker surrounding rock.
"I saw this fossil smiling at me – it’s the first set of teeth I have found," she joked. The find adds another dimension to the island’s story.
The Geological Story
Dr. Jan Hennissen from the British Geological Survey (BGS) identified the fossil as part of a crinoid, or sea lily.
"The stem consists of these little discs, called ossicles, and what Christine has found is a number of these ossicles connected together, in what is called a columnal,"
These marine organisms thrived roughly 350 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period. The rock formation is likely from the Alston formation, a dark limestone.
Holy Island's Sacred Landscape
The discovery near St Cuthbert's shrine has revived interest in the island's spiritual traditions. The monk's remains were venerated at Lindisfarne.
Dr Frances McIntosh from English Heritage explains, "He arrived on the island in 670s as a monk coming to the priory, he [was] buried here and miracles took place around his shrine."
Small fossilized fragments, or crinoid columnals, were sometimes interpreted as sacred objects. They were believed to be made by Cuthbert as part of his spiritual process.
Deep Time and Human History
The fossil's age places it in the Carboniferous period. During this time, dense forests and shallow seas dominated the region.
Holy Island is a crossroads between deep time and recorded history. The fossil was woven into medieval religious belief.
Christine’s discovery underscores the accessibility of discovery. Earth's past often hides in plain sight.
What to Watch Next
Further research is expected to analyze the fossil in greater detail, potentially revealing more about the specific type of crinoid and the environment in which it lived. Expect continued interest in how historical narratives and geological discoveries intersect on Holy Island.