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Earl Magnus Erlendsson Link was murdered on the island of Egilsay around 1116. His body was taken to Christ Church at Birsay (NW Mainland, Orkney) and became a focus of pilgrimage. This cathedral was begun in 1137, apparently following an oath made by Earl Rognvald that he would build a great stone minster in the Orkney Islands to commemorate his martyred kinsman. The church is mainly from the C12th and C13th and is a fine example of Norman style architecture despite its Norse roots. It is thought that the masons that created it in the C12th had previously worked at Durham Cathedral. Additions and alterations were made over the following centuries and there were several major renovations during the C19th.
This ancient place is full of remarkable memorials, many of the "memento mori" style (with emblems associated with mortality).
It is possible to take a guided tour of the "upper levels" (see Link ) which is fascinating and allows remarkable views down into the cathedral and along its twisting stone passages.
See Canmore for more details on the cathedral: Link
HES: Link
The cathedral's own website: Link
Orkney Islands Council: Link
Plan showing construction dates: Link

Grade I listed buildings and structures are of exceptional, even international importance. There are over 6,000 in the country. Only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I listed.
In Scotland the classification is Category A
Index: Link