Earl's Palace, Kirkwall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earl's Palace |
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The Earl's Palace
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| General information | |
| Status | in ruins |
| Type | palace |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| Town or city | Kirkwall |
| Country | Scotland |
| Groundbreaking | 1607 |
| Owner | Historic Environment Scotland |
The Earl's Palace is a beautiful old palace in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. It is now in ruins, but it was built in a style called Renaissance. You can find it near St Magnus's Cathedral. Construction started in 1607, led by Patrick, Earl of Orkney. Many people were forced to help build it. Today, these historic ruins are open for visitors to explore.
Contents
History of the Earl's Palace
Why the Palace Was Built
Patrick, Earl of Orkney, was a very powerful and strict ruler. He felt that the Bishop's Palace, where he was staying, was not grand enough for him. So, he decided to build a new, bigger palace right next door.
How the Land Was Acquired
There was a problem: Earl Patrick did not own the land he wanted for his new palace. He found a way to take it from the owner. He made up false accusations against the owner, who then lost his property. This allowed the Earl to start building his grand new home.
Rebellion and Downfall
In 1609, Earl Patrick was sent to prison in Edinburgh. His son, Robert, started a rebellion to help his father. Robert took control of the new palace, along with St Magnus's Cathedral and Kirkwall Castle. An army, led by the Earl of Caithness, came to stop the rebellion. They surrounded the buildings. Kirkwall Castle was destroyed during this time. Later, Earl Patrick and his son were found guilty of serious crimes against the king and faced severe consequences.
After the Earl's Death
After Earl Patrick's death, the palace was sometimes used by the Bishops of Orkney. But by 1688, it became the property of the Crown (the king or queen). Over time, in the 1700s, the palace slowly fell into ruin and was no longer used as a home.
Visiting the Palace Today
Protected Historic Site
Today, the Earl's Palace is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. It is a protected site, meaning it is very important historically and must be preserved. It is known as a scheduled monument.
Current Status for Visitors
Sometimes, historic buildings need special care. The Earl's Palace and the nearby Bishop's Palace were closed from October 2023 to March 2024. This was so experts could check the high parts of the stone walls. This work helps make sure the palace can be enjoyed safely for many years to come.
