School pupils uncover ‘lost Viking church’ on UK island inhabited by feral cows

The church was found under a more recent build (Picture: Gordonstoun/PA Wire) A group of school pupils have discovered the remains of what appears to be a 1,000-year-old Viking church on a remote Scottish island. Students at Gordonstoun School – once attended by King Charles – made the find during a trip to Swona, a tiny island in Orkney inhabited only by feral cattle. The remains of the building – including what is believed to be the foundation for what would have been the altar – were found underneath another, more recent building. Experts believe the building is Viking due to its similarities to other churches from the 10th and 11th centuries. But experts hope that, by radiocarbon dating samples, they will be able to learn more about the building and its origins. Sign up for all of the