Power and State
Since 1800 the state has increasingly intervened in life in Shetland. In this zone you will find out about the positive and negative effects of this on the islands and islanders.
The state has come to rule our lives. All islanders enjoy the benefits of education, health care, law and order. As the influence of government grew, the power of the church to dominate our lives decreased, although there became more denominations than just one to choose from.
As Britain was dragged into war, this affected Shetland ever-more. Two centuries ago Shetlanders were forced into the Navy. In the First World War islanders were conscripted and Naval operations were based here. By the Second World War fortified Shetland was in the line of fire.
Themes include: Religion, law and order, local and national government, education, health services, war.
Highlights include:
- First World War nurse’s uniform – This uniform belonged to Nellie Gilbertson who was presented the Royal Red Cross by H.M. King George V in 1917.
- Prison cell door – Many of Shetland’s wrongdoers spent a night behind this cell door from 1874 onwards.
- A box containing surgeon’s tools – The doctor in Unst around 1900 operated on his patients using this kit.