.jpg) LERWICK'S HISTORY
From the early viking visits and the later Dutch fishermen in the 16th century, the development of Lerwick began along Bressay Sound. In the mid 17th century the potential of Bressay Sound was realised by the British Government when the first foundations of what is now Fort Charlotte were built. Fort Charlotte remains a central feature of the old town today.
Lerwick’s historic town centre and waterfront developed further as the merchants built lodberries along the shore of Bressay Sound in the 17th century. Since then Lerwick has become the principal town of Shetland, expanding from a population of a few hundred in 1700 to a town of approximately 7500 in 2008.
The old town of Lerwick bounded by its immediate waterfront grew out of commerce and retains its commercial base today. Substantial growth of the town occurred in the 19th century with significant developments in the fishing industry.
The expansion of Lerwick has centred on the development of its waterfront with the original shoreline now much changed. The original old town, much of which is designated as an outstanding conservation area, is largely intact and serves to represent the history of Lerwick virtually since its foundation. It continues to serve as an historic, civic, social and cultural centre, business centre and a centre for tourism and maybe considered as the most important built environment in Shetland.
Page Last Updated - 02/03/2010 | 
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