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User:Prioryman/List of fortifications of Gibraltar

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This list of fortifications of Gibraltar provides an index to the fortifications of Gibraltar, constructed over the course of nearly a thousand years by Moorish, Spanish and British occupants. The fortifications provide what Darren Fa and Clive Finlayson have termed not only "a rich testament to extended periods of human conflict" but also "a unique record of the evolution of fortifications spanning the better part of a millennium."[1] They have seen numerous conflicts including fourteen sieges in 500 years, the scars of which can still be seen in some places.

Background edit

Main article: Fortifications of Gibraltar

Gibraltar was first fortified around 1068 by the Moors of North Africa who had captured it 350 years earlier during the Islamic conquest of Iberia.[2] Its location on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean in a narrow passage of water where Europe and Africa are only 15 miles (24 km) apart, has made it a place of enormous strategic significance. The territory consists of a narrow peninsula only 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) long by 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) wide. It is dominated by the steep (and in places near-vertical) slopes of the Rock of Gibraltar, which rises to a height of 426 metres (1,398 ft). Gibraltar's coast is mostly rocky and lined with cliffs.[3]

These factors have made it highly defensible. James Fergusson, writing in 1849, commented:

Gibraltar owes its strength principally to nature, or rather to the advantage that has been taken of the natural capabilities of the Rock, to procure an overwhelming fire, both rasant and plongeant, on the only ground of approach, which renders it impossible to push the trenches up to the battries, and is sufficient to silence any fire that may be brought against it; and as, thanks to the rock galleries, a great portion of this fire is effectually casemated, the place is justly considered impregnable on that side at least.[4]

Its natural advantages have been supplemented over the centuries by the construction of a complex network of fortifications. It has evolved from a small walled citadel founded by the Moors into a labyrinth of defensive walls, bastions, gun batteries, moles, casemates, escarpments, trenches and tunnels. Although Gibraltar is now largely demilitarised, the entire peninsula is still dominated by its massively constructed and omnipresent fortifications.

Topography of fortifications edit

The sandy isthmus linking Spain and Gibraltar was heavily fortified at its northern end, where the Spanish built the Lines of Contravallation in 1734. The Lines were a continuous line of curtain walls, redans and bastions with two major forts at each end, built across the entire width of the peninsula. After being used to support the Great Siege of Gibraltar between 1779–83, they were destroyed by the British in 1810 during the Peninsular War to prevent Napoleonic France making use of them.

Immediately south of the Spanish lines was an area of neutral ground which stretched as far as the northernmost edge of the Rock of Gibraltar. The British fortifications began just north of this point, technically within the neutral ground – a fact that angered the Spanish government. The fortifications can be grouped into a number of key localities where they were established to meet particular defensive needs:

Landport Front edit

 
The Landport Front defences looking towards the Moorish Castle

The Landport Front comprises the area at sea level around and in front of the Landport Gate, formerly the single landward entry point into the town of Gibraltar. As this area has taken the brunt of almost every attack mounted against Gibraltar, it is massively fortified. The town of Gibraltar occupies a narrow strip in the north-west of the peninsula, sandwiched between the Rock and the sea. Landward access to the town was obstructed by the flooded area of the Inundation which restricted traffic to a narrow causeway leading up to the Landport Gate, accessed via a drawbridge over a deep ditch. The wall of the Grand Battery and a curtain wall progressing up the slope en cremèllaire (in a stepwise fashion) block an attacker's access to this area. Some of Gibraltar's oldest fortifications are located around the Landport Front, including the 12th to 15th century Moorish Castle and 16th to 17th century Spanish walls. A series of mostly 18th century British-built bastions are also to be found here.[5]

The Landport defences were supplemented by the Spanish-built Old Mole, jutting out into the Bay of Gibraltar at the north end of the town. As well as providing shelter and protected unloading facilities for ships, the Old Mole (also known as the Devil's Tongue) was used by the British to mount a battery of powerful guns covering first the isthmus and later the bay. It was greatly altered by the British in the 19th century, when it was extended much further out and a detached mole was built to narrow the gap between the Old Mole in the north and the New Mole further south.[5]

Northern Defences edit

The lower part of the north side of the Rock of Gibraltar rises in a sheer cliff face which is 426 metres (1,398 ft) high. Facing the isthmus, it is the part of Gibraltar that is most exposed to an attack from the land. A series of ledges on the north-west flank of the Rock were incorporated into the defences by the Moors and further adapted by the Spanish, but the present-day fortifications are predominately British, mostly constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries with some 20th century additions.

They comprise a series of walls and rock-cut trenches in the King's, Queen's and Prince's Lines, equipped with bombproof magazines and shelters; the tunnel systems of the Upper, Middle and Lower Galleries, dug to serve as shell-proof communications routes and gun positions behind the North Face; and a number of casemated batteries. This area of the fortifications was built to bombard an attacking force on the isthmus, to block access to the high ground on the North Face and to enfilade any attempt to storm the town via the isthmus. It is heavily scarped to prevent an enemy climbing the cliffs.[5]

Willis's edit

 
5.25 inch guns at Princess Anne's Battery on Willis's Plateau

Above the Northern Defences, Willis's Plateau is an area of high ground named after a British officer who distinguished himself in the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar in 1704 is the site of a number of batteries. It was actively used from the 18th to the mid-20th centuries, latterly as the site of a number of 5.25-inch guns capable of being used in a dual role against aircraft and ships. The area's commanding location provides firing positions over the isthmus to the north and the Bay of Gibraltar to the west.[5]

Line Wall edit

The west side of the town of Gibraltar has historically been one of the directions from which it has been most vulnerable – the British capture of Gibraltar in 1704 was achieved by assaulting it from the sea – and successive occupants have sought to fortify it against this threat. The Spanish and probably the Moors built fortifications here, but the current walls, bastions and counterguards are British, built to withstand amphibious landings and to counter bombardments from ships in the bay. They originally stood next to the shoreline but large-scale land reclamation in the 19th and 20th centuries has meant that they are now inland.[5]

South Front edit

 
North side of the Southport Gates and South Front defensive wall

The defences of the South Front – as its name suggests, on the south side of the town – include some of the most intact Spanish fortifications in Gibraltar. They include the Southport Gates (which still have the arms of Charles I of Spain carved on them) and the Charles V Wall, which climbs the west side of the Rock in a highly visible en cremèllaire fashion. They were improved by the British in the 18th century by the construction of bastions and artillery batteries. The development of long-range artillery eventually made this area of the fortifications obsolete. Adjoining the South Front, the Spanish built a South Mole extending into the bay to provide shelter for ships and enfilading fire against enemies attempting to approach from the south. [5]

Retired Batteries edit

During the 19th century a series of 'retired' batteries was constructed on the hillside above the town, following recommendations made in a report of 1841. Improvements in the range and accuracy of naval artillery had made the batteries along the Line Wall highly vulnerable to bombardment. Moving the batteries inland and uphill dealt with this problem by making the batteries more difficult to target and easier for the defenders to conceal, and increased the range of the guns by virtue of their greater height. The batteries were all west-facing to counter enemy ships in the bay[5]

Upper Ridge edit

The Upper Ridge of the Rock of Gibraltar runs for approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) between the cliffs of the North Face and the peak on which O'Hara's Battery stands. As the highest point in the territory, it was first fortified by the British with the construction of Rock Gun Battery in 1789 and is the site of some of the last fortifications to be built, four batteries constructed in 1899–1902 to mount 9.2-inch breach-loading coastal defence guns. The guns had the power and range to enable the British not only to hit targets in the Strait but also to reach the Spanish mainland and the North African coast on the far side of the Strait.[5] They were the last artillery installations to be decommissioned, with their last firing taking place in April 1976.

East Side edit

The East Side has only ever been lightly defended, as the prospect of an amphibious attack has always been remote. There are few places where a landing can be made, no flat ground where an attacking force can be deployed and the sheer slope of the Rock blocks access to the town on the western side. At the most it could only have sustained a foothold for a small enemy force. To counter this possible threat, a small number of batteries, bunkers and observation posts were constructed there, some during the Second World War for anti-aircraft defence.[5][6]

West Side edit

 
The 100 ton gun at Napier of Magdala Battery near Rosia Bay

A series of batteries and fortified positions was constructed in the 19th century along the west side of the peninsula below the town, particularly around the Rosia Bay area, which is Gibraltar's only natural harbour, and the strategically vital Royal Navy base at the Gibraltar Dockyard. They were developed further in the 20th century. The threat of heavily armoured battleships mounting powerful guns prompted the British to install two of the heaviest (and among the last) muzzle-loading artillery pieces ever made. Napier and Victoria batteries were each provided with a 17.72 inch Rifled Muzzle Loading gun, dubbed the "100 ton guns" (though actually weighing 102 tons). They were slow, unreliable and obsolete within a few years of being installed.[5] One of the guns is still in situ today and has been fired as recently as 2002.

Windmill Hill edit

A high plateau at the south end of the peninsula, Windmill Hill overlooks the lower ground of Europa Flats and presents a strong defensive position from which an invader could easily be enfiladed. It was extensively fortified by the British during the 19th century with the construction of multiple batteries and mobile gun sites. A garrison occupied the Retrenched Barracks at the north end of Windmill Hill, blocking access to the higher ground.[5]

Europa Flats edit

The flat plateau in the far south of Gibraltar around Europa Point is ringed with natural cliffs, has no natural beaches and is prone to fast-flowing currents. Nonetheless it has long been seen as a possible landing point for invaders. The Moors and Spanish built some fortifications here, though what can be seen today is predominately British. The cliffs were scarped to make them harder to climb and a series of batteries was constructed to keep attackers at a distance. Perimeter walls were built to add further defence, along with a Defensible Barracks, housing a small garrison.[5][7]

Index of fortifications edit

The following sections list the individual fortifications of Gibraltar, grouped by type, coordinates, sector and date of construction (where known).

Barracks edit

Image Barracks Sector Coordinates Built
  Bombproof Barracks Northern Defences ??? 17??
  Buena Vista Barracks West Side ??? 1840s
  Defensible Barracks Europa Flats ??? 1840s
  Grand Casemates ??? ??? 18??
  Lathbury Barracks ??? ??? 18??
  Retrenched Barracks ??? ??? 18??
  South Barracks ??? ??? 18??

Bastions edit

Image Bastion Sector Coordinates Built
  Flat Bastion (Baluardo de Santiago) South Front ??? 1552
  Hesse's Demi Bastion (Baluardo de San Pedro) Landport Front ??? 1730
  Jumper's Bastion (North) (Baluardo de Santa Cruz) West Side ??? 1575
  Jumper's Bastion (South) West Side ??? 17??
  King's Bastion Line Wall ??? 1773
  Montagu Bastion (Baluardo de San Andrés) ??? ??? 17??
  North Bastion (Baluardo de San Pablo) Landport Front ??? 16??
  North Demi Bastion ??? ??? 17??
  Orange Bastion ??? ??? 1877
  South Bastion (Baluarte de Nuestra Señora del Rosario) ??? ??? 17??
  South Demi Bastion ??? ??? 17??

Batteries edit

Image Bastion Description Coordinates Spanish Built
  Alexandra Battery Alexandra Battery is an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Breakneck Battery Breakneck Battery is an artillery battery located on Ministry of Defence property at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, north of Lord Airey's Battery. It is one of a dozen batteries in Gibraltar that had 9.2-inch guns installed around the turn of the 20th century. 36°07′42″N 5°20′39″W / 36.128373°N 5.34425°W / 36.128373; -5.34425 (Breakneck Battery) ???
  Bomb Proof Battery Bomb Proof Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Buena Vista Battery Buena Vista Battery are two preserved artillery batteries in Gibraltar. ???
  Buffadero Battery Buffadero Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Calpe Battery Calpe Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Castle Batteries Castle Batteries are a group of six abandoned artillery batteries in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Catalan Batteries The Catalan Batteries are a pair of artillery batteries in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Civil Hospital Battery Civil Hospital Battery is an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Couvreport Battery Couvreport Battery is an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Crutchett's Batteries Crutchett's Batteries is a group of artillery batteries in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Cumberland Flank Battery Cumberland Flank Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Detached Mole Battery Detached Mole Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Devil's Bowling Green Battery Devil's Bowling Green Battery is an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. ???
  Devil's Gap Battery Devil's Gap Battery is an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. es:Punta del Diablo
  Devil's Tongue Battery Devil's Tongue Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. es:Punta del Diablo
  Edward VII Battery Edward VII Battery was an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. es:xxx

Curtain walls edit

Image Curtain wall Sector Coordinates Built
  Charles V Wall South Front ??? 1550–2
  Chatham Counterguard Line Wall ??? 1796–1804
  Line Wall Curtain Line Wall ??? 17??
  Montagu Curtain Line Wall ??? 17??
  Moorish Wall West Side ??? 17??
  Prince Albert's Front Line Wall ??? 17??
  Wellington Front Line Wall ??? 17??

Defensive ditches edit

Image Ditch Sector Coordinates Built
  Landport Ditch Landport Front ??? 17??
  Southport Ditch South Front ??? 17??

Gates edit

Image Gate Sector Coordinates Built
  Algeciras Gate ??? ??? 17??
  Barcina Gate ??? ??? 17??
  Grand Casemates Gates (Water Gate/Puerta de la Mar) Line Wall ??? 17??
  Landport (Puerta de Tierra/España) ??? ??? 17??
  Prince Edward's Gate (Puerta de África) ??? ??? 17??
  Queen's Gate ??? ??? 17??
  Ragged Staff Gates ??? ??? 17??
  Southport Gates (Puerta de Carlos V) ??? ??? 17??

Lines edit

Image Line Sector Coordinates Built
  King's Lines Northern Defences ??? 17??
  Prince's Lines Northern Defences ??? 1720
  Prince of Wales Lines West Side ??? 1756
  Queen's Lines Northern Defences ??? 17??

Magazines edit

Image Magazine Sector Coordinates Built
  Eliott's Magazine ??? ??? 17??
  Europa Sunken Magazine Europa Flats ??? 17??
  Flat Bastion Magazine ??? ??? 17??
  Grand Magazine ??? ??? 17??
  Willis' Magazine ??? ??? 17??

Moles edit

Image Mole Sector Coordinates Built
  Detached Mole Line Wall ??? 17??
  North Mole (North Mole, Devil's Tongue) Landport Front ??? 17??
  South Mole (New Mole) South Front ??? 17??

Watchtowers edit

Image Watchtower Sector Coordinates Built
  Devil's Tower Landport Front ??? 17??
  Giralda Tower Landport Front ??? 17??
  O'Hara's Tower (O'Hara's Folly) Upper Ridge ??? 17??
  Stanley's Clock Tower Landport Front ??? 17??
  Tower of Homage Landport Front ??? 17??

Other fortifications edit

Image Fortification Sector Coordinates Built
  Bayside Barrier Landport Front ??? n/a
  Caledonian Canal Landport Front ??? n/a
  East Place of Arms Landport Front ??? n/a
  Forbes Barrier Landport Front ??? n/a
  Glacis Landport Front ??? n/a
  Inundation Landport Front ??? n/a
  Montagu Counterguard Line Wall ??? n/a
  Ragged Staff Flank Line Wall ??? n/a
  Salto del Lobo (Peregil) Northern Defences ??? n/a
  West Place of Arms Landport Front ??? n/a

References edit

  1. ^ Fa & Finlayson, p. 6
  2. ^ Fa & Finlayson, p. 5
  3. ^ Fa & Finlayson, pp. 4–5
  4. ^ Hughes & Migos, p. 318
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Rose, p. X
  6. ^ Hughes & Migos, p. 188
  7. ^ Hughes & Migos, p. 183
  8. ^ p252 Strong as the Rock of Gibraltar. By Q Hughes & A Migos

Bibliography edit

  • Fa, Darren; Finlayson, Clive (2006). The Fortifications of Gibraltar. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-84603-016-1.
  • Rose, Edward P.F. (2001). "Military Engineering on the Rock of Gibraltar and its Geoenvironmental Legacy". In Ehlen, Judy; Harmon, Russell S. (eds.). The Environmental Legacy of Military Operations. Boulder, Colorado: Geological Society of America. ISBN 0-8137-4114-9.
 
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