Talk to delve deeper into the history of the Cathedral’s Royal Oak memorial

St Magnus Cathedral has long been a place where people remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives during both World Wars – and no memorial is more poignant that that of HMS Royal Oak. 

The memorial has been researched by Cathedral Curator, Fran Flett Hollinrake, and its history is the subject of a talk on behalf of The Society of the Friends of St Magnus Cathedral on Wednesday 16 April at 7pm within The Friends Room, St Magnus Centre, Palace Road, Kirkwall. 

The presentation - ‘In Some Sort of Quietude; the Memorial to HMS Royal Oak in St Magnus Cathedral’ - will be opened by Elaine Grieve, Lord Lieutenant of Orkney, and Chair of The Society, followed by Fran taking a closer look at how the memorial has flourished over the years. 

Ms Grieve said: “The Cathedral Curator has produced an excellent and informative presentation which has already been delivered to the Council of Friends. We are keen that it be offered to the wider membership of The Friends, and others who may have an interest. Importantly, the history of the Royal Oak and the relationship with St Magnus Cathedral will be captured for future reference.”   

The memorial commemorates the men and boys who perished when the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat while at anchor in Scapa Flow during October 1939. 

Fran said: “Since the unveiling of the simple bronze plaque in 1948, the memorial has grown over the years, changing location and developing according to the wishes of local people and those connected with the ship. It is an intriguing and sometimes emotional story.” 

There’s no need to book and entry is free for members of The Friends, or by donation for others.  

The talk will be filmed for future use.