Kirkwall history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Kirkwall is inextricably linked to the Viking Age. The city is first mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga in the year 1046 as the residence of Earl Rognvald Brusason. He is considered the founder of the settlement that became the predecessor of the modern city.

The name comes from the Old Norse word Kirkjuvagr, which means "Church Bay". This name indicates the existence of a small church here even before the construction of the famous cathedral, which subsequently became the symbol of the city.

Key Development Factors

Kirkwall's development from a small settlement into the capital of the archipelago was driven by a combination of strategic and political factors:

• Geography: The city is located on a narrow isthmus of the Mainland island, possessing access to a protected natural harbour. This made it an ideal place for ship mooring and conducting maritime trade.
• Religious Centre: A turning point was the commencement of the construction of St. Magnus Cathedral in 1137. The initiative of Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson turned the city into a place of pilgrimage and cemented its status as a spiritual centre.
• Shift in Power: The erection of the cathedral and the Bishop's Palace facilitated the transfer of the capital of the Orkney Islands from Birsay to Kirkwall, concentrating administrative power here.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early Middle Ages, the culture of Kirkwall was distinctly Scandinavian. The city lived according to the laws and traditions of Norwegian settlers, which was reflected in the language, architecture, and daily life of the inhabitants.

The city's economy was formed around the port. Trade with Norway, Scotland, and other regions of the North Sea flourished, and annual fairs attracted merchants from all over the archipelago. The urban layout developed linearly along the coastline, which can still be traced in the winding ancient streets of the centre.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1046 — First mention of the settlement in the Orkneyinga Saga as the residence of Earl Rognvald Brusason.
• 1137 — Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson lays the foundation of St. Magnus Cathedral, which became the city's main architectural landmark.
• 1468 — Kirkwall, along with the Orkney Islands, passes under the control of Scotland as a pledge for the dowry of Queen Margaret.
• 1486 — King James III grants Kirkwall the status of a Royal Burgh, giving it the right to self-governance and trading privileges.
• 1600 — Construction of the Earl's Palace begins under Patrick Stewart; today this building is considered a masterpiece of the Scottish Renaissance.
• 1614 — Kirkwall Castle is destroyed by royal troops following the suppression of Robert Stewart's rebellion.
• 1811 — Launch of a large-scale project to improve the city harbour, giving a powerful boost to commercial shipping.
• 1940 — Commissioning of the Grimsetter airfield (now Kirkwall Airport) for defence needs during the Second World War.
• 1977 — The St. Magnus International Festival is founded, transforming the city into an important cultural centre of the region.

Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Kirkwall is the story of a transformation from a Scandinavian trading post into a modern administrative and cultural centre. Below are the key stages that shaped the economy and appearance of the city:

• Gaining Royal Burgh Status (1486). Receiving the charter from King James III was a turning point for the economy. This gave the city the right to self-governance and trade independence, allowing local merchants to conduct direct deals with European ports, bypassing intermediaries, which significantly strengthened the well-being of the residents.
• Architectural Flourishing of the Stewart Era (17th Century). The construction of the Earl's Palace brought the sophistication of the Scottish Renaissance to the rugged northern landscape. These urban planning changes formed the historic core of the city, which today is a major magnet for architecture enthusiasts.
• Harbour Modernisation and Pier Construction (19th Century). The expansion of the port and the erection of stone embankments turned Kirkwall into a key logistics hub of the North Sea. This contributed to a boom in the herring industry and whaling, as well as establishing regular links with mainland Scotland.
• Integration of Air Travel (Mid-20th Century). The adaptation of the airfield for civil flights brought the city out of relative isolation. The appearance of regular flights opened the Orkney Islands to mass tourism and simplified business contacts, making the city accessible at any time of the year.
• Cultural Renaissance (from 1977). The founding of the St. Magnus Festival by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies changed the city's image. Kirkwall ceased to be perceived solely as a fishing port, becoming an international venue for classical music and literature, which gave a powerful impulse to the service sector.
• Course towards Green Energy (21st Century). In recent decades, the city has become the administrative centre for the renewable energy industry. Kirkwall plays a key role in supporting the operations of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), attracting scientists, engineers, and innovative investments to the region.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Kirkwall is unique in its dual character: here, a rugged Scandinavian foundation intertwines with the elegance of Scottish masonry. The urban fabric has formed over centuries, preserving the medieval linear layout where the main street winds parallel to the coastline, protecting residents from piercing sea winds.

Eras and Styles

In the stone chronicle of the city, three key historical periods can be clearly traced, each leaving its monumental evidence:

• Norman Period (Romanesque Style): The undisputed dominant feature of the city is St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in the 12th century. It is a masterpiece of Anglo-Norman architecture, known for its unique polychrome effect due to the alternation of red and yellow sandstone. Massive columns and semicircular arches recall the times of Viking power.
• Scottish Renaissance (17th Century): The Stewart era gifted the city the Earl's Palace. Even in a ruined state, it is considered one of the most exquisite examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Large windows, decorative turrets, and fireplaces demonstrated a luxury inaccessible to most residents of that time. Next to it is the Bishop's Palace, also bearing features of reconstruction from this period.
• Vernacular Architecture (17th–19th Centuries): Residential buildings in the historic centre are represented by the traditional stone houses of local merchants. A characteristic feature is the crow-stepped gables, typical of port cities of the North Sea and the Hanseatic League. These buildings create the recognisable silhouette of the old town.

Urban Environment Features

Kirkwall's urban planning is dictated by its proximity to the sea. The historic core has preserved its medieval density: the long and narrow main artery (changing names from Bridge Street to Albert Street) is paved with massive stone slabs. From it, like a fish skeleton, branch numerous narrow alleys, called "closes" here, which lead either to the harbour or into protected courtyards.

Distinguished Figures

The history of Kirkwall is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, explorers, and artists whose legacy went far beyond the Orkney Islands.

• Saint Magnus (Magnus Erlendsson)
  Earl of Orkney, Holy Martyr (11th–12th centuries)
  The heavenly patron of the Orkney Islands. His martyrdom during a dynastic struggle led to his canonisation, and the famous cathedral in Kirkwall, which became the heart of the city, was erected in his honour.

• Rognvald Kali Kolsson
  Earl, poet, and crusader (12th century)
  Nephew of Saint Magnus and founder of the cathedral in Kirkwall. Known as a talented skald and the initiator of large-scale construction that turned a small settlement into the religious capital of the archipelago.

• Patrick Stewart (2nd Earl of Orkney)
  Aristocrat and ruler (c. 1569–1615)
  One of the most controversial figures in the city's history. Known for his tyrannical rule, yet it was he who built the Earl's Palace in Kirkwall — an outstanding monument of Scottish Renaissance architecture.

• William Balfour Baikie
  Traveller, naturalist, and philologist (1825–1864)
  A native of Kirkwall who became famous for his explorations of Africa. He was the first to successfully use quinine for malaria prevention during expeditions along the Niger River, which became a revolution in tropical medicine. A monument is erected to him in the city.

• Stanley Cursiter
  Artist and curator (1887–1976)
  Born in Kirkwall. He played a key role in the development of Scottish modernism and futurism. For many years he served as Director of the National Galleries of Scotland, and was also the King's Painter and Limner.

• Edwin Muir
  Poet, novelist, and translator (1887–1959)
  One of the most important Scottish literary figures of the 20th century. Although born on the island of Deerness, his youth and education took place in Kirkwall. Muir is known not only for his poems but also for the first translations of Franz Kafka's works into English.