Publication Account

Date 2003

Event ID 614814

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Publication Account

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/614814

The story of the development of Kirkwall and its changing waterfronts is essentially that of the stage-by-stage infilling of the original shallow harbour, which began as a W-facing shore fronting onto the sheltered inner bay known as the Peerie Sea [Peedie Sea: HY 4462 1111]. This formerly extended S for about 1km from the present harbour.

The original location of mercantile activity at Kirkwall was Bridge Street [name centred HY 45034 11167], facing the Peerie Sea along with Shore Street [name centred HY 45054 11269], facing N and direct into Kirkwall Bay. Both these streets began as waterfronts, Shore Street remaining such until the 1990's. The shores themselves remained beaches, which was a conveninence until the advent of the cog (in the 13th century) brought with it the requirement for wharfage. As was the case elsewhere, this was presumably achieved by timber piling, although the bedrock was cut back to form a vertical face in front of the Cathedral [HY41SW 10.00]. There has been no redevelopment (or consequential archaeological investigation) within this waterfront zone in recent years.

The construction of the present harbour (by Mitchell) dates from the Kirkwall Harbours Act of 1865. The impressive construction-plan is held in the Orkney Archive.

Information from Dr R G Lamb, 11 July 2006.

R Lamb 2003; R Lamb and J Robertson 2003.