Earl's Palace, Birsay

The Earl 's Palace is a ruined castle on the Scottish island of Orkney Mainland. In 1971 the building was added to the Scottish lists of monuments in the highest category A. Moreover, it is classified as a Scheduled Monument.

History

Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney had the castle probably built as a replacement for the Bishop's Palace in Kirkwall from 1569. The first phase ended 1574th Approximately 20 to 30 years later, a second phase concluded with Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney, in which the building was expanded. From the 1650s used the Earls of Morton Earl 's Palace. Around the year 1700, the building was abandoned and fell into the following centuries visibly. Today it is only preserved as a ruin.

Description

Earl's Palace is located near the coast in the north- west of Mainland near the village of Birsay. The building has a rectangular plan, which is flanked by two two-story buildings. Three square corner towers emerge. The entrance was located on the southern flank. A built-up stone above showed the year 1574 and the initials REO The main building with hall and kitchen was located in the north. On the east and west flanks of the servants quarters were housed. A fountain in the courtyard secured the water demand.