|
Dornoch Cathedral is in Dornoch town
centre, on the northeast coast of Scotland, 44
miles north of Inverness, built from the 1220s.
The Cathedral is open for visits most days
throughout the year, Free entry. Donations can
be made to help with the upkeep. Postcode: IV25
3SH.
For Images on Mobile swipe right
Click On Map for area Attractions
Camping & Touring Parks in
area
This building is now run as a Presbyterian
Church of Scotland.
Dornoch Cathedral History
1140s - Aindreas of Caithness is recorded as
the first Bishop of Caithness, with the
Cathedral at Halkirk, 65 miles
north of Dornoch.
1222 - Halkirk Cathedral was set on fire by
Farmers, killing Bishop Adam of Melrose who was
inside at the time. The Farmers took this
action after the Bishop raised Taxes.
1220s - the earliest parts of Dornoch
Cathedral were built for Gilbert de
Moravia, Bishop of Caithness. Gilbert no
doubt wanted the Cathedral built at Dornoch, as
it was a good distance south of the Farmers
that killed the previous Bishop.
1245 - Gilbert de Moravia died at Scrabster
Castle, leading to him being buried at Dornoch
Cathedral, and Canonized as Saint Gilbert of
Dornoch.
1248 - William de Moravia, 1st Earl of
Sutherland, was buried in Dornoch
Cathedral.
1260 - Richard de
Moravia was killed fighting Vikings at
Embo, 3 miles north of Dornoch. This battle
forced the Vikings out of the area. Richard's
Sarcophagus can be viewed in Dornoch
Cathedral.
1560 - the Reformation began in Scotland, trying
to force everyone to convert from Catholic to
Protestant. This led to many Cathedrals being
destroyed, or converted to Protestant Churches.
Some were partially destroyed, then rebuilt as
Protestant Churches.
1570 - Dornoch Cathedral was set on fire
with Saint Gilbert's tomb desecrated during a
Clan feud between the Murray's of Dornoch, and
the Mackay's of Strathnaver.
1661 - the Cathedral was partially restored
by Sir Robert Gordon to serve as a Church of
Scotland.
1690 - religious uprisings led to the end of
Bishops in the Church of Scotland. Cathedrals
from that time were no longer true Cathedrals,
as they were no longer the seat of a
Bishop.
1835 to 1837 - the restoration of the
Cathedral was completed for Elizabeth, Duchess
/ Countess of Sutherland.
1920s - plaster work was removed from the
interior of the Cathedral to reveal the
stonework, the medieval High Altar was raised,
and a burial area for the Sutherland family
created at the Altar with large marble
memorials.
2000 - the Minister of Dornoch officiated at
the wedding of Madonna and Guy Ritchie at
Skibo Castle, 4
miles west of Dornoch.
2010 - billionaire Elon Musk and
actress Talulah Riley
were married in Dornoch Cathedral.
|
