Ruin sights in Kirkwall
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Earl's Palace
Across the road from the Bishop's Palace is the ruin of the Earl’s Palace, built by the tyrant Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600 (though the earl ran out of money and the palace was never completed). It's said to be the finest example of French-Renaissance architecture in Scotland.
Both palaces were repossessed by Bishop James Law in 1615 and the earl and his son were publicly executed. Remarkably, the despotic Patrick was found to be so ignorant that he was unable to recite even the Lord’s Prayer; his execution had to be delayed by a day while priests taught him the words.
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Bishop's Palace
The Bishop's Palace was built in the mid-12th century to provide comfortable lodgings for Bishop William the Old. The floors have collapsed but the outer walls are remarkably intact, and you can climb Bishop Reid’s Tower, added in the 16th century, for wonderful views of the cathedral. On the outside of the tower is a small statue of Earl Rognvald.
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