The Fortifications of Gibraltar 1068-1945

Gibraltar, located at the meeting points of Europe and Africa, preserves within its fortifications a rich testament to human conflict spanning 600 years. In 1068 the ruling Spanish Muslims built a large fort there. Between 1309 and 1374 Gibraltar underwent a period of intensive building and fortification, and following the Spanish reconquest of 1462 the inhabitants carried out further works. In 1704 the latest, uninterrupted period of British rule began. The 18th century saw three sieges including the most severe, known as the Great Siege, which lasted from 1779 to 1783. During World War II the 'Rock' served as a vital stop for supply convoys and naval staging base, complete with a veritable warren of secret tunnels. This book documents Gibraltar's rich history, and charts the development of these fascinating fortifications.

Autorentext

Darren Fa was born in Gibraltar 1966. Having gained a First Class Honours degree in Education and Biology from the University of Surrey, UK, he joined the Gibraltar Museum, in September 2004 he was promoted to the position of Deputy Director. Darren is a member of the Fortress Study Group, The Ordnance Society and the Coast Defence Study Group. He has also prepared numerous papers, articles and talks on Gibraltar's local and natural history, and is co-editor of Gibraltar Heritage, a bi-annual magazine. Darren is also a diving instructor, and an active member of the museum's archaeological Underwater Research Unit.

Inhalt

Introduction Chronology Islamic Gibraltar The Spanish defences The 18th-century British fortifications and the Great Siege 'Strong as the Rock': Gibraltar and the British Empire The development of the Naval Yard Aftermath The sites today Bibliography Glossary * Index