Day 45 ~ Wednesday August 14, 2019 Kirkwall Scotland on the Scottish Explorer

These islands of the Orkneys are a museum of prehistoric times

And Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney.  For centuries it was the capital of the Norse-held Nordreyjar - the Northern Isles.  Today we visited Earles Palace.  Just outside of town. 

So its onto Earl's Palace. Truly amazing palace started in 1607. The owner had, let's say, very ambitious plans without the financial means to back it up, ultimately costing him his head! He wanted to live like a king and this house reflects it in craftsmanship and architecture. No expense spared!
These ruins are unbelievably elegant and well intact. You can actually climb it three stories. The Great Hall is a masterpiece, with bay windows and grand fireplaces. The waiting room outside of the hall helped to vet visitors who turned out to mostly be debt collectors.
This palace is definitely on the same level as you would expect a king or Queen to live in. Great signage throughout. Parking very easy right on the street. St. Magnus Cathedral is across the street. The Bishop's palace is next door and included in the ticket.

The real voyage of discovery consist not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes- Marcel Proust 

Thanks for staying in the seat...Bob & Leslee