Jump to content

Shetland: Difference between revisions

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Earlier diff
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Removed category "Scotland"; Quick-adding category "Geography of Scotland" (using HotCat)
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:Wfm shetland map.png|thumb|right|A map of the islands]]
[[File:Wfm shetland map.svg|thumb|right|A map of the islands]]
[[File:ScotlandShetlandIslands.png|thumb|right|Where the islands are (darker blue) and mainland Scotland (lighter blue)]]
[[File:Shetland Brit Isles Sect 1.svg|thumb|right|The islands are shown in red]]
[[File:Flag of Shetland.svg|thumb|right|Flag of Shetland]]

'''Shetland''' (or the '''Shetland Islands''') is an [[archipelago]], the furthest out part of [[Scotland]].
'''Shetland''' (or the '''Shetland Islands''') is an [[archipelago]], the furthest out part of [[Scotland]] in the [[United Kingdom]].
The islands are between the [[Faroe Islands]] and the [[Orkney Islands]]. They are about 50 [[mile]]s to the northeast of the Orkney Islands. They are about 100 islands in the group. People live on 16 of them.
The islands are between the [[Faroe Islands]] and the [[Orkney Islands]]. They are about 50 [[mile]]s to the northeast of the Orkney Islands. They are about 100 islands in the group. People live on 16 of them.


The islands form part of the boundary between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west, and the [[North Sea]] to the east.
The islands form part of the boundary between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west, and the [[North Sea]] to the east.
Line 20: Line 20:
[[Image:Flateyjarbok Haraldr Halfdan.jpg|thumb|Harald Hårfagre took control of Hjaltland in ca 875. <br>From an Icelandic manuscript of the 1400s.]]
[[Image:Flateyjarbok Haraldr Halfdan.jpg|thumb|Harald Hårfagre took control of Hjaltland in ca 875. <br>From an Icelandic manuscript of the 1400s.]]


By the end of the 9th century the [[Norse|Norsemen]] shifted from [[Viking|plundering]] to [[invasion]], mainly due to the overpopulation of [[Scandinavia]] in comparison to resources and arable land available there.<ref>James Graham-Campbell 1999. ''Cultural atlas of the Viking world''. p38. ISBN 0-8160-3004-9</ref>
By the end of the 9th century the [[Norse]]men shifted from [[Viking|plundering]] to [[invasion]], mainly due to the overpopulation of [[Scandinavia]] in comparison to resources and arable land available there.<ref>James Graham-Campbell 1999. ''Cultural atlas of the Viking world''. p38. {{ISBN|0-8160-3004-9}}</ref>


Shetland was colonised by Norsemen in the 9th century, the fate of the native population is unknown. The colonisers established their laws and language. That language evolved into the West Nordic language [[Norn language|Norn]], which survived into the 19th century.
Shetland was colonised by Norsemen in the 9th century. The fate of the native population is unknown. The colonisers established their laws and language. That language evolved into the West Nordic language [[Norn language|Norn]], which survived into the 19th century.


After [[Harald Finehair]] took control of all Norway, many of his opponents fled, some to Orkney and Shetland. From the [[Northern Isles]] they continued to raid Scotland and Norway, prompting Harald Hårfagre to raise a large fleet which he sailed to the islands. In about 875 he and his forces took control of Shetland and Orkney. [[Ragnvald Eysteinsson|Ragnvald, Earl of Møre]] received Orkney and Shetland as an earldom from the king as reparation for his son's being killed in battle in Scotland. Ragnvald gave the earldom to his brother [[Sigurd Eysteinsson|Sigurd the Mighty]].
After [[Harald Finehair]] took control of all Norway, many of his opponents fled, some to Orkney and Shetland. From the [[Northern Isles]] they continued to raid Scotland and Norway, prompting Harald Hårfagre to raise a large fleet which he sailed to the islands. In about 875 he and his forces took control of Shetland and Orkney. [[Ragnvald Eysteinsson|Ragnvald, Earl of Møre]] received Orkney and Shetland as an earldom from the king as reparation for his son's being killed in battle in Scotland. Ragnvald gave the earldom to his brother [[Sigurd Eysteinsson|Sigurd the Mighty]].


Shetland was [[Christianity|christianised]] in the 10th century. In the Treaty of [[Perth]] in 1266 the [[Norwegian]] king surrendered his furthest British islands to Scotland. They included the [[Hebrides]], and the [[Isle of Man]]. In return, the Scots recognised Norwegian sovereignty over [[Orkney]] and Shetland. The islands did not become Scottish until the 15th century, and were ratified by an [[Act of Parliament]] in 1669.
Shetland was [[Christianity|Christianised]] in the 10th century. In the [[Treaty of Perth]] in 1266 the [[Norway|Norwegian]] king surrendered his furthest British islands to Scotland. They included the [[Hebrides]], and the [[Isle of Man]]. In return, the Scots recognised Norwegian sovereignty over [[Orkney]] and Shetland. The islands did not become Scottish until the 15th century, and were ratified by an [[Act of Parliament]] in 1669.


=== Hanseatic League ===
=== Hanseatic League ===
Line 32: Line 32:


=== World War II ===
=== World War II ===
In [[WWII]] the Shetlands were active in covert operations against the Germans in Norway. The 'Shetland Bus' (fishing vessels) sailed in [[wikt:covert|covert]] operations between Norway and Shetland. They carried intelligence agents, refugees, instructors for the resistance, and military supplies. Many people on the run from the Germans, and much important information on German activity in Norway, were brought back to the [[Allies]] this way.
In [[WWII]] Shetland was active in covert operations against the Germans in Norway. The 'Shetland Bus' (fishing vessels) sailed in [[wikt:covert|covert]] operations between Norway and Shetland. They carried intelligence agents, refugees, instructors for the resistance, and military supplies. Many people on the run from the Germans, and much important information on German activity in Norway, were brought back to the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] this way.


=== Oil ===
=== Oil ===
Line 38: Line 38:


== Prehistory ==
== Prehistory ==
Firm [[geology|geological]] evidence shows that at around 6100 BC a [[tsunami]] caused by the [[Storegga Slide]]s hit Shetland, as well as the rest of the east coast of Scotland, and may have washed over some of the Shetland Islands completely.<ref>Smith, David [http://www.fettes.com/shetland/Tsunami%20hazards.htm "Tsunami hazards"]. Fettes.com. Retrieved 5 February 2008.</ref>
Firm [[geology|geological]] evidence shows that at around 6100 BC a [[tsunami]] caused by the [[Storegga Slide]]s hit Shetland, as well as the rest of the east coast of Scotland, and may have washed over some of the Shetland Islands completely.<ref>Smith, David [http://www.fettes.com/shetland/Tsunami%20hazards.htm "Tsunami hazards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408071626/http://www.fettes.com/shetland/Tsunami%20hazards.htm |date=2008-04-08 }}. Fettes.com. Retrieved 5 February 2008.</ref>


Shetland has been populated since at least 3400 BC.<ref>The Scourd of Brouster site in Walls includes a cluster of six or seven walled fields and three stone circular houses that contains the earliest hoe-blades found so far in Scotland. Clarke P.A. 1995. ''Observations of social change in Prehistoric Orkney and Shetland, based on a study of the types and context of coarse stone artefacts''. M. Litt. thesis. University of Glasgow.</ref> The early people subsisted on cattle-farming and agriculture. During the [[Bronze Age]], around 2000 BC, the climate cooled and the population moved to the coast. During the [[Iron Age]], many stone fortresses were erected, some ruins of which remain today.
Shetland has been populated since at least 3400 BC.<ref>The Scourd of Brouster site in Walls includes a cluster of six or seven walled fields and three stone circular houses that contains the earliest hoe-blades found so far in Scotland. Clarke P.A. 1995. ''Observations of social change in Prehistoric Orkney and Shetland, based on a study of the types and context of coarse stone artefacts''. M. Litt. thesis. University of Glasgow.</ref> The early people subsisted on cattle-farming and agriculture. During the [[Bronze Age]], around 2000 BC, the climate cooled and the population moved to the coast. During the [[Iron Age]], many stone fortresses were erected, some ruins of which remain today.


Due to the practice of building in stone on the virtually tree-less islands, Shetland is extremely rich in physical remains of all these periods,<ref>Turner (1998) p18 states that there are over 5,000 archaeological sites all told. Turner, Val 1998. Ancient Shetland. London. Batsford/Historic Scotland. ISBN 0713480009</ref> though Shetland is less rich in material remains than [[Orkney]].
Due to the practice of building in stone on the virtually tree-less islands, Shetland is extremely rich in physical remains of all these periods,<ref>Turner (1998) p18 states that there are over 5,000 archaeological sites all told. Turner, Val 1998. Ancient Shetland. London. Batsford/Historic Scotland. {{ISBN|0713480009}}</ref> though Shetland is less rich in material remains than [[Orkney]].


The artifacts of all the eras of Shetland's past can be studied at the newly built (2007) Shetland Museum in Lerwick.<ref>[http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/media_releases/7220.aspx] From Chatham to Chester and Lincoln to the Lake District: 38 UK places put themselves forward for World Heritage status. United Kingdom Department for Culture, Media and Sport. accessdate=2010-07-07 </ref>
The artifacts of all the eras of Shetland's past can be studied at the newly built (2007) Shetland Museum in Lerwick.<ref>[http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/media_releases/7220.aspx] From Chatham to Chester and Lincoln to the Lake District: 38 UK places put themselves forward for World Heritage status. United Kingdom Department for Culture, Media and Sport. accessdate=2010-07-07</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Scottish shire}}{{UK-stub}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Islands of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Shetland| ]]
[[Category:Geography of Scotland]]
[[Category:Counties of Scotland]]
[[Category:Scottish Council Areas]]

[[Category:Archipelagos]]

[[af:Shetland]]
[[ang:Hjaltland]]
[[ar:شتلند]]
[[an:Islas Sealtainn]]
[[bg:Шетландски острови]]
[[ca:Shetland]]
[[cs:Shetlandy]]
[[cy:Shetland]]
[[da:Shetlandsøerne]]
[[de:Shetlandinseln]]
[[dsb:Shetland]]
[[et:Shetlandi saared]]
[[el:Σέτλαντ]]
[[en:Shetland]]
[[es:Islas Shetland]]
[[eo:Ŝetlandaj Insuloj]]
[[eu:Shetlandak]]
[[fa:شتلند]]
[[fo:Hetland]]
[[fr:Shetland]]
[[ga:Inse Shealtainn]]
[[gv:Shetlynn]]
[[gd:Sealtainn]]
[[gl:Illas Shetland]]
[[ko:셰틀랜드 제도]]
[[id:Shetland]]
[[os:Шетланды сакъадæхтæ]]
[[is:Hjaltlandseyjar]]
[[it:Isole Shetland]]
[[he:איי שטלנד]]
[[lv:Šetlendas salas]]
[[lt:Šetlando salos]]
[[hu:Shetland]]
[[nl:Shetlandeilanden]]
[[ja:シェトランド諸島]]
[[no:Shetland]]
[[nn:Shetlandsøyane]]
[[pl:Szetlandy]]
[[pt:Shetland]]
[[ro:Shetland]]
[[ru:Шетландские острова]]
[[sco:Shetland Islands]]
[[scn:Shetland]]
[[sk:Shetlandy]]
[[sr:Шетландска острва]]
[[sh:Shetland]]
[[fi:Shetlandsaaret]]
[[sv:Shetlandsöarna]]
[[tr:Shetland]]
[[uk:Шетландські острови]]
[[yi:שעטלאנד]]
[[zh:设德兰群岛]]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 22 August 2023

A map of the islands
The islands are shown in red
Flag of Shetland

Shetland (or the Shetland Islands) is an archipelago, the furthest out part of Scotland in the United Kingdom.

The islands are between the Faroe Islands and the Orkney Islands. They are about 50 miles to the northeast of the Orkney Islands. They are about 100 islands in the group. People live on 16 of them.

The islands form part of the boundary between the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the North Sea to the east.

The largest islands of the group are Mainland, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsay, and Bressay. In general, the climate of the group is subarctic, and rather bleak.

They used to be called Hjaltland or Zetland. Today, the islands are part of Scotland. The administrative centre is Lerwick.

The economy of the islands is largely based on agriculture. The sheep are known for their fine wool. Other well-known exports are the Shetland ponies and Shetland Sheepdog.

In 1969 crude oil was discovered near the islands, leading to an alternative source of income for them.

History

[change | change source]

Scandinavian colonisation

[change | change source]
Harald Hårfagre took control of Hjaltland in ca 875.
From an Icelandic manuscript of the 1400s.

By the end of the 9th century the Norsemen shifted from plundering to invasion, mainly due to the overpopulation of Scandinavia in comparison to resources and arable land available there.[1]

Shetland was colonised by Norsemen in the 9th century. The fate of the native population is unknown. The colonisers established their laws and language. That language evolved into the West Nordic language Norn, which survived into the 19th century.

After Harald Finehair took control of all Norway, many of his opponents fled, some to Orkney and Shetland. From the Northern Isles they continued to raid Scotland and Norway, prompting Harald Hårfagre to raise a large fleet which he sailed to the islands. In about 875 he and his forces took control of Shetland and Orkney. Ragnvald, Earl of Møre received Orkney and Shetland as an earldom from the king as reparation for his son's being killed in battle in Scotland. Ragnvald gave the earldom to his brother Sigurd the Mighty.

Shetland was Christianised in the 10th century. In the Treaty of Perth in 1266 the Norwegian king surrendered his furthest British islands to Scotland. They included the Hebrides, and the Isle of Man. In return, the Scots recognised Norwegian sovereignty over Orkney and Shetland. The islands did not become Scottish until the 15th century, and were ratified by an Act of Parliament in 1669.

Hanseatic League

[change | change source]

For three centuries the Shetlanders sold their fish (salted cod) through the German Hanseatic League, a trading organisation. This arrangement lasted from 1400 to 1700 AD.

World War II

[change | change source]

In WWII Shetland was active in covert operations against the Germans in Norway. The 'Shetland Bus' (fishing vessels) sailed in covert operations between Norway and Shetland. They carried intelligence agents, refugees, instructors for the resistance, and military supplies. Many people on the run from the Germans, and much important information on German activity in Norway, were brought back to the Allies this way.

Oil

[change | change source]

In the early 1970s, oil and gas were found off Shetland. The East Shetland Basin is one of the largest petroleum sedimentary basins in Europe. Sullom Voe terminal opened in 1978 and is the largest oil export harbour in the United Kingdom with a volume of 25 million tons per year.

Prehistory

[change | change source]

Firm geological evidence shows that at around 6100 BC a tsunami caused by the Storegga Slides hit Shetland, as well as the rest of the east coast of Scotland, and may have washed over some of the Shetland Islands completely.[2]

Shetland has been populated since at least 3400 BC.[3] The early people subsisted on cattle-farming and agriculture. During the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC, the climate cooled and the population moved to the coast. During the Iron Age, many stone fortresses were erected, some ruins of which remain today.

Due to the practice of building in stone on the virtually tree-less islands, Shetland is extremely rich in physical remains of all these periods,[4] though Shetland is less rich in material remains than Orkney.

The artifacts of all the eras of Shetland's past can be studied at the newly built (2007) Shetland Museum in Lerwick.[5]

References

[change | change source]
  1. ↑ James Graham-Campbell 1999. Cultural atlas of the Viking world. p38. ISBN 0-8160-3004-9
  2. ↑ Smith, David "Tsunami hazards" Archived 2008-04-08 at the Wayback Machine. Fettes.com. Retrieved 5 February 2008.
  3. ↑ The Scourd of Brouster site in Walls includes a cluster of six or seven walled fields and three stone circular houses that contains the earliest hoe-blades found so far in Scotland. Clarke P.A. 1995. Observations of social change in Prehistoric Orkney and Shetland, based on a study of the types and context of coarse stone artefacts. M. Litt. thesis. University of Glasgow.
  4. ↑ Turner (1998) p18 states that there are over 5,000 archaeological sites all told. Turner, Val 1998. Ancient Shetland. London. Batsford/Historic Scotland. ISBN 0713480009
  5. ↑ [1] From Chatham to Chester and Lincoln to the Lake District: 38 UK places put themselves forward for World Heritage status. United Kingdom Department for Culture, Media and Sport. accessdate=2010-07-07
Retrieved from "https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shetland&oldid=9018822"