Woman Seated Under an Arch at Iona Abbey

Category

Library Item

Item no

17393

Title

Woman seated under an arch at Iona Abbey

Description

A woman sits under an arch in the ruin of Iona Abbey.

Artist / maker

Keith, Thomas

Date

1856

Size

28 x 25 cm

Type

Paper negative

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The small Hebridean island of Iona is situated roughly a mile off the south-west tip of the Isle of Mull. The island has played a pivotal role in the development of Scottish Christianity. A monastery was established here in 563 AD by St Columba, or Colm Cille, an Irish monk. The Islands political and religious influence grew over roughly two centuries until a series of Viking raids in the late 8th and early 9th centuries led to the dissolution of Iona's religious community by the mid 9th century. A nunnery and Benedictine Abbey were founded here at the start of the 13th century but were abandoned after the Reformation. In 1938 the Iona Community was founded by the Rev. George Macleod, and work was begun restoring the Abbey. The island now attracts large numbers of visitors, including many who come to stay in the Iona Community's residential centres.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arcades (Architectural components)

Architecture > Architectural features > Arches

People > Adults > Women

Places > Scotland > Iona

Religion > Religious facilities > Abbeys

Religion > Religious facilities > Ruins

Sport and leisure > Activities > Sitting

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