In these circumstances, it is not to be expected that the architecture should in every detail follow the contemporary styles which prevailed in [Illustration: FIG. 231.--Kirkwall Cathedral. Doorway in South Transept.] Britain; but it is astonishing to find how closely the earlier parts correspond with the architecture of Normandy, which was developed by a kindred race--the successors of Rollo and his rovers, who settled in that country at an earlier date. [Illustration: FIG. 232.--Kirkwall Cathedral. Interior of Doorway in South Transept. The shaded voussoirs are of yellow and the remainder of red freestone.] There can be little doubt that the Romanesque architecture which prevailed in the North of Europe found its way at a comparatively late [Illustration: FIG. 233.--Kirkwall Cathedral. View of the Crossing from the Nave.] date into Scandinavia. The Norman form of that style would naturally follow the same course amongst the kindred races in Norway [Illustration: FIG. 234.--Kirkwall Cathedral. Choir, looking East.] and Denmark, just as it did in England and Scotland, and from Norway it would be transplanted into Orkney. We find that the “transition” style and pointed styles follow here a similar course to that observed in other countries, although, no doubt, with certain modifications, such as might be looked for at so great a distance from the centre of origin. Sir Henry Dryden, who has given a great deal of study to Kirkwall Cathedral, finds the differences of the architecture there as compared with that of England so great that the usual terms in England are not applicable; but we believe that, with some allowances, the same general stages of progress can be observed at St. Magnus’ as in the South. It is well known that French architects were sent for to carry out the Cathedral of Upsala, while the architecture of the Cathedral of Throndhjeim is English in character. A certain mixture of design is traceable in the details of these northern structures, but the general scope of the architecture follows that of the rest of Europe. The Cathedral of St. Magnus was, as above mentioned, begun by Earl Rognvald in 1137, and was, doubtless, carried on with as great expedition as possible. It was a gigantic work to be undertaken in this situation at the time, and difficulty arose with regard to funds. This, however, was overcome by allowing the proprietors of lands in Orkney to redeem their property by a single payment of a sum per acre, paid at once, instead of according to the usual practice, on each succession.