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Orkney (/ ˈ ɔːr k n i /), also known as the Orkney Islands, is an archipelago off the north coast of mainland Scotland. The plural name the Orkneys is also sometimes used, but is now considered incorrect. Part of the Northern Isles along with Shetland, Orkney is 10 miles (16 km) north of Caithness and has about 70 islands, of which 20 are ...
Viking grave from Orkney reconstructed in the National Museum of Scotland. Vikings having made the islands the headquarters of their aggressive expeditions (carried out indifferently against their own Norway and the coasts and isles of Scotland), Harold Hårfagre ("Fair Hair") subdued the rovers in 875 and annexed both Orkney and Shetland to
Viking settlers comprehensively occupied Orkney, and Mainland became a possession of Norway until being given to Scotland during the 15th century as part of a dowry settlement. Evidence of the Viking presence is widespread, and includes the site of a settlement at the Brough of Birsay , the vast majority of place names , and runic inscriptions ...
Earl of Orkney, historically Jarl of Orkney, is a title of nobility encompassing the archipelagoes of Orkney and Shetland, which comprise the Northern Isles of Scotland. Originally founded by Norse invaders , the status of the rulers of the Northern Isles as Norwegian vassals was formalised in 1195.
Orkney and Shetland had from the 10th century been annexed by the Kingdom of Norway, who later entered a personal union with a common Danish monarch under the Kalmar Union. In 1468, Orkney was pledged by the Scandinavian king Christian I as security against the payment of the dowry of his daughter Margaret, betrothed to James III of Scotland.
The Earldom of Caithness was granted to Magnus, second son of the Earl of Angus, whom Haakon IV of Norway confirmed as Earl of Orkney in 1236. [17] In 1290, the death of the child princess Margaret, Maid of Norway in Orkney, en route to mainland Scotland, caused a disputed succession that led to the Wars of Scottish Independence. [18]
Pages in category "History of Orkney" The following 28 pages are in this category, out of 28 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. ...
Orkney islands map This is a list of Orkney islands in Scotland. The Orkney archipelago is located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) north of mainland Scotland and comprises over 70 islands and skerries, of which 20 are permanently inhabited. In addition to the Orkney Mainland there are three groups of islands. The North and South Isles lie respectively north and south of Mainland. The Pentland Skerries ...