Bishops Palace Kirkwall

The Bishops Palace, Kirkwall, is a large multiphase palace dating mainly from the 16th cent 17th century, although parts go back to the 12th. It is managed by Historic Environment Scotland along with the adjacent Earls Palace, and next to St Magnus’ Cathedral.

In the early 12th century there were two claimants to the bishopric of Orkney, a matter eventually resolved by the creation of the Archbishopric of Trondheim, after which the claims of York to supremacy were overruled by the pope. It is believed that the lowest levels of the hall house of Bishop William from this period forms the base of the later structures, and whilst this is feasible, this is unconfirmed. Further duplicate bishops continued with the Avignon schism of the papacy, and following the acquisition of Orkney in 1469 by James III, things appear to have quietened down. It was not, however, until the 16th century that the much decayed building was enlarged by Bishop Reid, who was also Abbot of Kinloss and a prolific builder. It was modified again by the earl of Orkney in the 17th century to form part of his palace. After a siege in 1614, the building appears to have been abandoned.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry