A burial place for Bishop William I - SMC065
A stone cist was discovered in the north side of the chancel in 1848. The cist contained a skeleton and part of an ivory staff. The cist also contained a lead plate inscribed: 'Hic requiescit williamus senex felicis memoriae' and 'primus episcopus'.

The translation of the inscription reads: 'Here lies William the Old of blessed memory' and 'first bishop'. William the Old was the first bishop of Orkney and held the position for sixty six years from 1102-68. During the time he was bishop he often lived on Egilsay and may also have constructed the Bishop's Palace in Kirkwall.

The bone handle and lead plate are owned by the National Museum of Scotland and on loan to The Orkney Museum
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