Letters / One of the most important documents in Shetland’s history

For many years, Shetlanders have asked me if there is an English translation of Magnus the Lawmender’s “Landlaw” – the law code of the later 13th century which was in use in Shetland until Earl Patrick’s time.

There is now. Routledge have published Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir’s English version.

It costs £145, unfortunately, but it is one of the most important documents in Shetland’s history.

Brian Smith
Shetland Archives