Scheduled MonumentsScotlandSt Magnus Church, Egilsay
Egilsay

St Magnus Church, Egilsay

Scotland
HES SM90137
Site type
Egilsay
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

St Magnus Church, Egilsay is a twelfth-century Romanesque church located on the island of Egilsay in Orkney. The church is notable for its distinctive round tower, which stands as one of the few surviving examples of this architectural form in Scotland and is characteristic of churches built during the Norse-influenced period of Orkney's history. The building dates from approximately the early twelfth century and is associated with the veneration of St Magnus, the Earl of Orkney, whose relics were moved to Kirkwall Cathedral but whose cult established this as an important pilgrimage site. The church exemplifies the architectural traditions of medieval Orkney, reflecting the Norse heritage and religious significance of the northern isles during the medieval period.

St Magnus Church, Egilsay is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90137. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is St Magnus Church, Egilsay?

St Magnus Church, Egilsay is a twelfth-century Romanesque church located on the island of Egilsay in Orkney. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90137.

Who is responsible for protecting St Magnus Church, Egilsay?

St Magnus Church, Egilsay is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90137.

What other scheduled monuments are near St Magnus Church, Egilsay?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Skirmie Clett, enclosures 740m SE of Onziebust, Wyre (4.3 km), St Mary's Chapel, Wyre (4.7 km), Cobbie Row's Castle (4.8 km).

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