St Magnus Cathedral

Summary

A superb medieval cathedral of red sandstone, located in the centre of Kirkwall. The cathedral was begun in 1137 by Earl Ragnvald-Kali, the nephew of Earl (later Saint) Magnus. The interior vaulting is superb.

When was it built

The cathedral was begun in 1137 with additions in the early 13th century, and late 14th century. The great east window is 13th century, and the west window is early 15th century.

Architecture

The earliest parts of the cathedral are built in ponderous Romanesque style, with later additions maintaining much of the earlier motif, but adding in early Gothic architectural detail. The vaulting of the nave is particularly fine. The cathedral is built on a 't' plan, with an aisled nave, crossing, and choir, with a central tower above the crossing.

Gothic vaulting in St Magnus Cathedral

The cathedral as a stable

In 1651 English troops occupied Kirkwall, and used the cathedral to stable their horses. Iron rings were set into pillars in the nave to anchor the horse's tethering straps. These rings can still be seen.

Tombs

There are numerous tombs and memorial within the cathedral. Most appear in the north and south aisles, where there are quite a number of 17th-century grave markers. These are readily identifiable by their repeated motifs of mortality, such as skull, bones, coffins, and hour-glasses. The most grandiose memorials are placed in the eastern corner of the chancel. Here are the tombs of William Baikie, missionary explorer, and Dr John Rae, Arctic explorer.

Who was St Magnus?

The saint was an early 12th-century Norse earl of Orkney, or, to be more precise, a joint earl, as he shared the earldom with his cousin Haakon Paulson. Joint rule seldom worked, and this case was no exception; the two cousins fought, but in 1116 they agreed to meet on Egilsay to sort out their differences. The terms of the truce specified that each earl would bring only one ship to the meeting.

Magnus held to the agreement, but Haakon brought 8 ships of armed men. Magnus had no escape, and to make his death as insulting as possible Haakon ordered his cook to kill his enemy. Magnus was one of those characters whose reputation seems to grow after his demise, and stories began to spread about his sanctity.

Gothic arches, north aisle

When Magnus's nephew Ragnvald-Kali bid to wrest the earldom from Haakon's son, he vowed to build a church in the memory of his uncle if he succeeded. St Magnus Cathedral is the result of that vow.

St Magnus and Regnvald were both later beatified (made saints), and their bones are interred within pillars of the cathedral choir.

Our Verdict

St Magnus Cathedral is one of Orkney's 'Don't Miss' attractions, well worth a visit, and its close proximity to the Earls Palace, Bishop's Palace, and Tankerness House makes for a great afternoon out in Kirkwall.

More Photos

About St Magnus Cathedral
Address: Broad Street, Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Orkney, Scotland, KW15 1NX
Attraction Type: Cathedral
Location: In the centre of Kirkwall.
Website: St Magnus Cathedral
Location map
OS: HY449109
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express


HERITAGE

HeritageWe've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.

Historic Time Periods:

Medieval

Find other attractions tagged with:

12th century (Time Period) - 13th century (Time Period) - 14th century (Time Period) - 15th century (Time Period) - 17th century (Time Period) - Medieval (Time Period) - Norman (Architecture) -


NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

The Orkney Museum - 0 miles (Museum) Heritage Rating

Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall - 0.1 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

Earl's Palace, Kirkwall - 0.1 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

Grain Earth-House - 0.6 miles (Prehistoric Site) Heritage Rating

Wideford Hill Chambered Cairn - 2.6 miles (Prehistoric Site) Heritage Rating

Rennibister Earth-House - 3.4 miles (Prehistoric Site) Heritage Rating

Mine Howe - 4.9 miles (Prehistoric Site) Heritage Rating

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn - 5.4 miles (Prehistoric Site) Heritage Rating



Nearest Holiday Cottages to St Magnus Cathedral:

Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from St Magnus Cathedral. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.


  More self catering near St Magnus Cathedral

Show self catering cottages near St Magnus Cathedral