Must See No.9

The Earl's Palace, Kirkwall

"The Earl's Palace forms three sides of an oblong square, and has, even its ruins, the air of an elegant yet massive structure, uniting, as was usual in the residence of feudal princes, the character of a palace and of a castle"
Sir Walter Scott - "The Pirate"

In the late 16th, early 17th century, Orkney was under the rule of the Stewart Earls First Earl Robert, illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland, then his son Patrick who by all accounts were a couple of pretty nasty blokes. Building of the palace bagan in 1600 and the Earls are said to have forced the population of Orkney to work with no pay and jailed or tortured those who didn't comply (I wonder if any of the ruling powers in 17th century Scotland did otherwise?). It was completed in 1607 and shortly afterwards Patrick was arrested for treason and hanged in 1615. So, all in all it's the usual story of intrigue and betrayal. With ordinary folk caught in between squabbling aristocracy.

But it's a fabulous building that sits right in the middle of Kirkwall. In it's day it was a fine example of Renaissance architecture and very luxurious. I must admit that even now it is very easy to imagine the rustle of silk and the clash of swords.

1 The Italian chapel
2. The Gloup
3. Kirbuster Museum
4. St Magnus Cathedral
5. The Blockships
6. Noup Head
7. Standing Stones of Stenness
8. The Pier Arts Centre

I guess this happens to be an assignment blip, but then I seem to spend a lot of time doing 'landmarks' anyway...! Hmmm, maybe I'll see if I can find a landmark that isn't a big pile of stones tomorrow.