Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces
Location: Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1PD
Telephone: 01856 871918
The Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces are in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.
The Bishop’s Palace was built around the same time as nearby St Magnus’s Cathedral, in the early 12th century. The builder may well have been Bishop William ‘the Old’ (d.1168), crusader and friend of Earl Rognvald, St Magnus’s nephew and patron of the new cathedral.
The Earl’s Palace was built around 1606 by Patrick, Earl of Orkney. Known as ‘Black Patie’, the tyrannical Patrick ruled the Northern Isles with an iron fist from 1592 until his execution 23 years later. His Earl’s Palace is a building of extraordinary refinement, spacious and masterfully planned. It still has the power to impress. Externally, the eye is drawn to the frontal façade, while internally it’s the great hall that overwhelms most, with its huge, 5m-wide fireplace. The building also reflects the owner’s obsession with privacy and security, for his own apartment lay beyond the top end of the great hall, well away from those occupied by his household officials and guests.
Offer for YAC Pass holders:
Free entry with a valid YAC Pass Card when accompanied by a paying adult