A poignant chapter in Orkney’s wartime history will be brought into sharp focus with a special talk on the evolving memorial to HMS Royal Oak.
St Magnus Cathedral has long stood as a beacon of remembrance, but few tributes are as deeply moving as that of the Royal Oak, whose story continues to resonate across generations.
The talk, taking place on Wednesday 16 April at 7pm in The Friends Room of the St Magnus Centre, promises to reveal layers of history hidden within the cathedral walls.
Curator Fran Flett Hollinrake will guide the audience through the journey of the memorial in a presentation titled In Some Sort of Quietude; the Memorial to HMS Royal Oak in St Magnus Cathedral.
The evening will begin with an introduction by Elaine Grieve, Lord Lieutenant of Orkney and Chair of The Society of the Friends of St Magnus Cathedral.
Elaine praised the talk as an excellent and informative piece of work that deserves to be heard beyond the council of the Friends.
She emphasised the importance of preserving the Royal Oak’s story and its deep-rooted connection to the cathedral for future generations.
HMS Royal Oak was tragically sunk in Scapa Flow in October 1939 after being struck by a German U-boat, resulting in the loss of 835 lives.
Among the fallen were many young boys, making the event one of the most heartbreaking naval disasters of the Second World War.
The original memorial was a simple bronze plaque, unveiled in 1948 as a solemn tribute to those who were lost.
Over time, that tribute has grown, with the memorial changing locations and evolving in response to community wishes and naval connections.
Fran describes the story of the memorial as both intriguing and emotional, shaped by the memories and care of those who never forgot.
Each change to the memorial reflects a collective desire to keep the names and stories of the Royal Oak’s crew alive within the sacred space of the cathedral.
The talk is open to the public, with no need to book in advance.
Entry is free for members of The Friends of St Magnus Cathedral, while others are welcome to attend with a donation.
For those with an interest in maritime history, wartime memory, or Orkney’s unique connection to global events, this is an evening not to be missed.
The Royal Oak story remains a powerful reminder of sacrifice and community, and the cathedral continues to guard that legacy with grace.
