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Lerwick is the largest town and capital of the Shetland Islands, an archipelago located off the north coast of Scotland. The history of Lerwick dates back over 400 years, when it was a small fishing village on the east coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Shetlands.

During the 17th century, Lerwick grew in importance as a trading center, with ships from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands arriving to trade goods such as fish, wool, and salt. In 1708, the town was granted a royal charter by Queen Anne, which allowed it to hold regular markets and fairs, and to elect a council to govern the town.

In the 19th century, Lerwick's economy shifted away from fishing and towards the herring industry. The town became a major center for the processing and export of herring, with dozens of curing stations and factories springing up along the shore. The herring boom brought prosperity to Lerwick, and the town expanded rapidly, with new buildings and streets constructed to accommodate the growing population.

During World War II, Lerwick played a key role in the Allied war effort, serving as a base for convoys and patrols in the North Sea. The town was heavily bombed by German planes, but quickly recovered after the war ended.