Wee Guides to Scotland
Earl's Palace, Kirkwall
Goblinshead
 130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND
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The Earl's Palace is a ruinous 17th-century U-plan palace, consisting of a main block, one long projecting wing, and another small offset square wing. The building is dominated by large oriel windows. The palace was built by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney, the illegitimate half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots. He oppressed the Orcadians, and was imprisoned in 1609. His son led a rebellion in the islands in 1614, capturing the Palace and Kirkwall Castle, as well as Earl's Palace at Birsay. The rising was put down, and Patrick and Robert Stewart were both executed in Edinburgh in 1615. The Bishops of Orkney occupied the palace until 1688. (Also see Bishop's Palace). The fine medieval cathedral stands nearby.
Directions: On A960, in Kirkwall , Orkney.
Ownership: HS 01856 875461 Ord. Survey Map Ref: HY 449107 6
Open: Open April to September.
Key: P Nearby S £ Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

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email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk

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