Kirkwall - Orkney

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. The town is first mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046. It was established as the settlement of Rögnvald II, Earl of Orkney, who was killed by his successor, Thorfinn. In 1486 King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh; road signs still indicate 'The City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall'. The name Kirkwall is derived from the Norse name Kirkjuvagr (Church Bay). This was later corrupted to Kirkvoe and then Kirkwaa. English cartographers mistook the latter part waa as the Scots wa meaning wall, hence the town became Kirkwall. Kirkwall Town Hall Exterior Kirkwall Town Hall Exterior St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall Situated on the northern coast of Mainland Orkney and with a population of about 8,500, Kirkwall is a port with ferry services to Aberdeen and Lerwick, as well as the principal north islands in the group. At the heart of the town stands St Magnus Cathedral. It was founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney 1108-1117 by Earl (later saint) Rögnvald Kali. Next to the Cathedral are the ruins of the former Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace. The town has two museums: Tankerness House Museum, which is contained within one of Scotland's best-preserved sixteenth century town-houses, contains items of local historical interest. The prehistoric, Pictish and Viking collections are of international importance. The other museum is the small Wireless Museum, dealing with the history of radio and recorded sound. Kirkwall is one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland. Apart from the main historical buildings, mentioned above, there are many 17th-18th century houses and other structures in the local vernacular style. The 'Kirk' of Kirkwall was not the Cathedral (which was originally at Birsay), but the 11th century church of St. Olaf of Norway. One late medieval doorway survives from this church. An aumbry from the original church survives within the late 19th Century structure of the present-day St. Olaf's Church (Episcopal) in the town's Dundas Crescent. Kirkwall also once had a medieval castle (destroyed in the 17th century). On the west edge of the town, surrounded by Hatston Industrial Estate, is a prehistoric ancient monument, Grain Earth House (Historic Scotland), a short low stone-walled passage deep underground leading to a small pillared chamber. This is the form of earth house or souterrain characteristic of the Northern Isles (though Grain is unusually deep below ground). It was originally connected to a surface dwelling which has since disappeared. The original purpose of these Iron Age structures is unknown. Key for the monument from Ortak Visitor Centre and Factory. One of the main annual events in the town is the Ba Game, held each Christmas Day and New Year's Day between the Uppies and the Doonies; each team representing one half of the town. Kirkwall also has the most northerly of the English speaking worlds's Carnegie libraries, which was visited and opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early years of the 20th century. It has been replaced by a new, larger library and archive on Junction Road.