Mediterranean Pirates
Rock of Gibraltar
The rock of Gibraltar occupies a strategic position at the eastern entrance to the narrow strait and guards the only exit from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Early mariners did not pass the rock for fear of the currents. The Phoenicians sailed past it and used it as an important landmark, marking the entrance to the Atlantic. The Greeks gave it the name Calpe which means urn, possibly because of its shape. The name of Gibraltar comes from the Arabs who invaded Spain in the VIII century; it has been altered over the centuries to its present form of Gibraltar.
It wasn't until the time of Cromwell when Britain first became interested in the rock but it was not captured until the War of the Spanish Succession. Gibraltar became a British garrison in 1830 and was declared a colony. Twice during the 18th century Spain tried to recapture it without success. The Great Siege commenced on June 21, 1779 and lasted nearly 4 years during which time the rock was defended by a force of 7,000. The battle ended on February 2, 1783 and the city took many years to rebuild.
The Times, June 8, 1805
London, United Kingdom
Letters from Gibraltar, of the 18th of May, state, that the Queen and Dragon men of war, with the expedition under their convoy, arrived at Gibraltar on the 13tb of that month. The troops under General Craig were all in good health and spirits. The brigade of horse had been disembarked at Europa Point, for refreshment, and one of the regiments of infantry was also landed to reinforce tbe garrison of Gibraltar.
The above letters do not mention that tbe expedition had sailed again, or that the Queen and Dragon bad joined Lord Nelson, as was stated in some of the Evening Papers of yesterday. It is, however, asserted, with great confidence, that the expedition would shortly sail for Malta, to reinforce the garrison there, after attempting a coup-de-main at Port Mahon. Had the expedition arrived a few weeks earlier, no doubt was entertained at Gibraltar of Port Mabon having surrendered to it without firing a gun. In the present circumstances, some resistance is expected, it being understood that troops have lately been sent to Minorca.
Tthe British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the United Kingdom led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication links.
The Edinburgh Advertiser, January 13, 1826
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Galveston Daily News, May 7, 1892We have seen letters from Gibraltar, dated the 19th ultimo, that reflect the highest credit on the character of Sir John Phillimore, of the Thetis frigate, and the English Governor, General Don, for their conduct in giving relief to the sufferers from the late hurricane, but which will probably bring down upon England the wrath of Ferdinand. It would appear the Spanish Authorities refused all assistance to the shipwrecked mariners, and would oppose tbe English from the garrison proceeding to their relief, the English commandants simultaneously ordered a force to proceed by land, and the crew of the Thetis to proceed in boats, to give assistance in preserving the lives and the property of individuals; of course this spirited conduct met with no opposition, but we understand the proceedings have given the highest offence to the Spanish authorities, and that the conduct of the English has been strongly represented to the Spanish Court, in a despatch sent off express.—Globe.
Galveston, Texas, USA
PIRATES STILL EXIST
IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND LOOT AND SPANIARD
Gibraltar, May 2,--A Spanish sailing vessel bound for Albucomas, a small island fortress and prison settlemen in the Mediterranean belonging to Spain, while off the coast of Morocco became becalmed and drifted shoreward. A number of pirates, seeing her condition, boarded and looted her. While the pirates were handling their spoils, a breeze sprang up and the captain slapped on all sail and headed for this port, where he arrived this morning.
Emmett County Republican, July 26, 1900
Esterville, Iowa, USA
The Rock of Gibraltar.
England's famous natural fortification is stiuated at the southern extremity of Spain, in Andalusia. At various times great sums of money have been expended to add to its impregnability, until uow it is regarded as an almost indestructible stronghold. The chief points of defense are on its western side. Several miles of caverns and galleries penetrate the rock, which presents a solid and formidable front on the laud side; on the other great cannon frown upon the Bay of Gibraltar. The fortress is fairly honeycombed with bombshells and cannon balls. It was taken from the original owner over 150 years ago
