The saying ‘history is geography’ is particularly applicable to Gibraltar, where the geographical background and physical facts are vital. Gibraltar itself, as a natural phenomenon, is dramatic. Situated at the mouth of that cradle of Western Civilization the Mediterranean Sea, it has been well known to mariners for centuries. On maps and charts, it looks as though it stands sentinel over some of the world's most vital trade routes; as an obstacle or impediment. Attached physically to Spain, its occupation by an alien power is provoking to national pride. All Spanish governments had longed for its recovery in the days after the invading Arabs occupied it in A.D. 712. It's loss to the British in 1704 was even more galling. Over 1,100 miles distant from Great Britain, separated from home ports by long stretches of the Atlantic presumably dominated by the vast hostile fleets of France and Spain, the fortunes of this outpost were watched breathlessly by all Europe in the long years of its great siege which lasted from June 1779 until the spring of 1783.

The rock -- The fortification of Gibraltar -- The opening of the great siege -- Blockade and relief -- The blockade resumed -- The second relief -- The bombardment -- Sortie -- Assault by battering-ships -- Final relief and truce -- The peace and its aftermath.