FARNE or FERNE ISLES, THE

   also called the Staples, a group of 17 isles 2 m. off the NE. coast of Northumberland, many of which are mere rocks visible only at low-water; are marked by two lighthouses, and are associated with a heroic rescue by GRACE DARLING (q.v. DARLING, GRACE) in 1838; on House Isle are the ruins of a Benedictine priory; about 50 people have their homes upon the larger isles.