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The Association of British Counties

Gazetteer of
British Place Names

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Kirkwall, Orkney

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of Orkney. A royal burgh, it stands in the middle of Mainland. Though a mighty town in the context of the islands, Kirkwall is by other standards small and quiet. It bears reminders of the great power once wielded here, in particular the vast St Magnus Cathedral, built by the Norse Earls of Orkney, and beside it, now decayed to ruin, the Earls' residence, while wandering lanes join the town together. It is within the council area of Orkney Islands.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Orkney
Island: Mainland of Orkney
Lat, Long: 58.98395,-2.955763
Grid Reference: HY451111
Police Area: Highlands and Islands
Council Area: Orkney Islands
Civil Parish: Kirkwall and St Ola CP
Country: Scotland

GBPNID: 24924
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Kirkwall,_Orkney_24924

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