The New History of OrkneyFor much of its history, Orkney had its own language, culture and institutions. The prehistoric inhabitants created monuments which are unmatched anywhere in Europe, and the medieval period saw the magnificent earldom that expressed itself through the Orkneyinga Saga and the building of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Like Shetland, Orkney was heavily influenced by Viking traders and raiders from Scandinavia, and for a long period it formed an outlying part of the kingdom of Norway.Over 500 years ago, however, the islands lost their Scandinavian links and since then have had a sometimes difficult association with mainland Scotland. More recent times have seen the use of Orkney as a strategic stronghold during two world wars, and the far-reaching impact of oil and gas exploitation in the North Sea. This classic book covers the whole fascinating story and will be of interest to readers far beyond the rocky shores of Orkney itself. |
Contents
Pictish Orkney | 1 |
Orkneyinga Saga and the Early Jarls | 24 |
Placenames and the PictishNorse Transition | 40 |
Copyright | |
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agricultural Annals of Ulster appears authority Balfour became Birsay Bishop brought building Caithness Castle cathedral century Chapter Christian church claim collection common continued court David deal death described Earl earldom early entirely eventually evidence farm farmers fishing further given grant Hakon hands Harald held Henry History important improvement included income interest involved islands Isles James John killed King Kirkwall land later less living Lord Magnus mark marriage names needed Norse North Norway Norwegian Notes originally Orkney paid parish Patrick payment pennylands perhaps period Pictish possession possible probably received record regarded remained rent Rentals result Robert Rognvald royal rule saga Scotland Scots Scottish seems settlement Shetland ships Sinclair skat Stewart story suggests tenants Thomson tion took trade udal visited William