St Magnus's Ch

Heritage Site in Orkney

Scotland

St Magnus's Ch

Egilsay: a view from Rousay Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2584979">HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church</a> roughly centre of the picture.

Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond. — Egilsay: a view from Rousay Credit: Chris Downer

St Magnus's Church, located in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, is a historic and culturally significant heritage site. The church, also known as St Magnus Cathedral, is situated in the town of Kirkwall and stands as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Scotland.

Built in the 12th century, St Magnus's Church was dedicated to St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney. The construction of the church was initiated by Earl Rognvald, in honor of his uncle St Magnus, who was murdered on the island of Egilsay in 1117.

The cathedral features a distinctive red sandstone facade and an imposing tower, which reaches a height of 46 meters. Inside, visitors can explore its stunning interior, characterized by its thick columns, round arches, and ornate decorations. The church also houses a collection of beautiful stained glass windows, depicting various biblical scenes and saints.

Apart from its architectural beauty, St Magnus's Church also holds great historical significance. It served as the religious center for Orkney and played a key role in the region's political and cultural development. The church was the site of several important events, including the crowning of King Håkon Håkonsson of Norway in 1263.

Today, St Magnus's Church remains an active place of worship and is open to visitors throughout the year. Its historical and architectural significance has led to its designation as a Category A listed building and a cherished heritage site in Scotland.

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St Magnus's Ch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.158/-2.935 or Grid Reference HY4630. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Egilsay: a view from Rousay

Looking across the Rousay Sound from the isle of Rousay towards Egilsay, with the distinctive round tower of HY4630 : Egilsay: St. Magnus church roughly centre of the picture. Behind Egilsay are Muckle Green Holm and its companion Little Green Holm, with Stronsay silhouetted right across the picture beyond.

Chris Downer

Mae Banks

A sandy beach on the eastern side of Egilsay. Grugar Farm is a bit further inland.

Bill Boaden

Fishing boat passing Mae Banks

A sandy stretch of coast on the eastern side of Egilsay.

Bill Boaden

Beach below Maeness

A view of Egilsay from a passing ferry, though the hills behind are on Rousay. St Magnus Church is far right.

Bill Boaden

Mae Ness

A very low headland on Egilsay. St Magnus Church is in the centre, while Knitchen Hill on Rousay stands behind.

Bill Boaden

St. Magnus Church, Egilsay

Fabio Sassi

Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the road

Looking towards the distinctive round tower of this historic church, from the road running north-south along the island. A lump of the island of Rousay is in the background.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: southward view along the road

The island crossroads is in the foreground of the picture, beyond which we look along the straight road running south. The island's postbox is on the right just beyond the junction.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: St. Magnus Kirk from the harbour

Looking across the island's new jetty, on which is the road sign, towards its most famous landmark.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: gateway to Manse Beach

A beach of white sand intermixed with outcrops of rock on the eastern side of the island.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: the road to the ferry

Approaching the ferry slipway, which is hidden behind the house. The island of Rousay is in the background.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: the school

The island's school is currently 'mothballed' because there are no children of primary school age on the island.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61

The island's postbox is attached to a large wooden pole by the crossroads and is emptied at 8:25 each morning except Sunday. The island of Rousay is in the distance.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: St. Magnus the Martyr monument

The plaque states: Erected by the rector and congregation of St. Magnus the Martyr by London Bridge, and the minister and congregation of St. Magnus cathedral Kirkwall, to mark the traditional spot where Earl Magnus was slain, A.D. c.1116 and to commemorate the octocentenary of St. Magnus cathedral, 1937.

Chris Downer

Egilsay: view past the postbox towards Rousay

The island's postbox (see HY4630 : Egilsay: postbox № KW17 61) provides a splash of colour on a grey, drizzly day as we look across the island towards the slopes of the neighbourning isle of Rousay.

Chris Downer