Earl's Palace, Birsay, United Kingdom

The Earl"s Palace is a ruined 16th-century castle. It was built by Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney (1533–1593), illegitimate son of King James V and his mistress Euphemia Elphinstone.

The castle was constructed in two phases. The first phase of work, begun in the 1570s, consisted of the great hall located in the south range, above the main door. Beside this was Lord Orkney"s private chamber in the south-east corner tower. An inscription above the entrance, dated 1574, marks this phase. The second phase, completed in the 1580s, saw a new range containing a great hall and chamber built on the north side of the courtyard. The second phase probably followed Robert"s acquisition of the Earldom of Orkney in 1581. After the death of Robert Stewart, the palace was used only occasionally by later earls of Orkney, and was not occupied after the mid-17th century. By 1701 the palace had begun to deteriorate badly.

The two-storey palace was constructed around a central courtyard and well, with large stone towers at three of the four corners. It was as much a fortress as a residence. Only the palace"s upper floors had large windows; the accessible ground floors were equipped with small openings and an array of gun-holes, from which musketeers could cover every side of the building.

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User Reviews

Anthony Roske (9 months ago)
Loads to see and photograph. The footing may be uneven in places but o.k. if you are careful. I was as I had two walking sticks with me. Fascinating place.

Sarah Sanderson (9 months ago)
Such a magical place to explore. We love having a picnic there. Once you're done exploring, head along to Palace Stores for a whippy or coffee!

Debra Doser (9 months ago)
Pretty basic ruins, but interesting

Gus Macaulay (10 months ago)
Great place to visit, some really well laid out information on the place well worth visiting.

Frank Murphy (2 years ago)
Very impressive ancient building well worth a visit. Parking nearby. Immaculately preserved building and grounds are a pleasure to walk around. Helpful information signs on site.

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