The St Nicolas Church and burial ground stands near the shore of Holm Sound, the eastern approach to Scapa Flow. An early medieval cross slab discovered here bears witness to the fact that this has been an ecclesiastical site since early medieval times. This was also an area of high status in the Norse Period, and it was in Paplay in 1117, following the murder of Earl Magnus by his cousin Earl Hakon, that the Mother of Magnus, Thora, served up a feast for Hakon. A remarkable lady, she managed to negotiate the retrieval of her son’s body for Christian burial in Birsay.
Through the centuries there have been several rebuilds of the St Nicolas Kirk, the present construction being a complete new build in 1818, the site being moved to a raised mound to protect the building from danger of flooding. It was last used as a place of worship on 1st September 1939 when the Minister broke the news to his congregation that War had been declared. The armed forces then took over the building for use during World War Two.
When it was put on the market in 2009, there was a public meeting at which a management committee was formed to take responsibility for raising funds and acquiring the building. After a public appeal for funds it was bought by The Friends of St Nicolas in December 2009.
An area rich in history, and well worth a visit
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