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Earldom of Orkney

Earldom of Orkney was a state in British Isles (Europe) that lasted from c. 875 to 1472 CE, about 597 years. Its people spoke Germanic languages (Gothic, Frankish, English, German, Dutch, Norse).

A Norse earldom over Orkney, Shetland and Caithness under the Norwegian crown. Pledged to Scotland as part of a royal dowry in 1468, it was annexed in 1472.

See Earldom of Orkney on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates
c. 875 to 1472 CE
Duration
597 years
Type
State
Region
British Isles, Europe
Language family
Germanic
Capital
Birsay, later Kirkwall

Events in Europe during its time

Neighbours in Europe

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Questions

When did Earldom of Orkney exist?

c. 875 to 1472 CE, about 597 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Earldom of Orkney?

British Isles, in Europe. Its capital was Birsay, later Kirkwall.

What language did Earldom of Orkney speak?

Germanic. This family includes Gothic, Frankish, English, German, Dutch, Norse.