born 634/635, probably Northumbria, Eng.
died March 20, 687, islet of Inner Farne, or House, off Northumbria; feast day March 20
English saint.
A shepherd, Cuthbert entered the Northumbrian monastery of Melrose in 651 after receiving a divine vision. When plague struck 10 years later, he aided the afflicted, reportedly performing miracles. In 664 he became prior of Lindisfarne , where he instituted a severe rule. In 676 he retired to Inner Farne, where he devoted himself to prayer. His efforts to protect birds made him one of the earliest wildlife conservationists.