The altar tomb of Bishop Tulloch, who died soon after 1455, stood between the two eastmost pillars of the choir. It was a handsome erection, and appears to have had a canopy, but not a fragment now exists. A stone cist was discovered between the two east piers of the choir (north side) during the repairs in 1848. It contained a skeleton doubled up, and an ivory crozier and a plate of lead inscribed, “Hic requiescit Wilialmus senex felicis memorie,” and on the back “primus episcopus.” Bishop William the old died in 1168. The cist and bones were carted away with the rubbish in 1856, but the ivory staff handle and the lead plate are preserved in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries at Edinburgh.
Numerous slabs, with inscriptions of the seventeenth century, have been erected against the nave walls.
At one time the cathedral possessed some fine specimens of woodwork. The canopy over the Bishop’s throne (shown by Billings) has now disappeared.
The alms dishes, which are of brass, 2 feet 5 inches diameter, are of Dutch workmanship of the seventeenth century. They are large and fine of their kind.
The tower contains four bells. Three of these were given by Bishop Maxwell. The great bell (3 feet 5½ inches diameter and 2 feet 9 inches high) has, on a raised shield, the Bishop’s arms, a saltier, with annulet in centre, and under it “NLTAS.” Also the following inscription:—“Made by Master Robbert Maxvell, Bischop of Orkney the yaer of God MDXXVIII the year of the reign of King James the V., Robert Borthwik made mein the castel of Edinbrugh.” There is also in a medallion, containing in seven lines, the following:—“Taken et brought againe heir by Alexander Geddus marchant in Kirkwa and recasten at Amsterdam Jully 1682 years by Claudius Fremy city bell caster. It weighs 1450 P.” On a medallion, a figure with a sword, and, under it SCT MAGNVS. The latter inscription shows that this bell was sent to Amsterdam
Fig. 247.—Kirkwall Cathedral. Plan at Level of Clerestory.
to be recast, which was required, in consequence of a crack or rift having occurred in it.