A splendid map of Gibraltar showing the positions of the attackers and defenders during the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar, part of the War of the Spanish Succession (1704-1705). Large insets show a view of the Rock of Gibraltar from across the bay, a plan of the town and the outlying fortifications, and an overview map of the Straits of Gibraltar.

A combined Anglo-Dutch naval force had managed to capture the fortress of Gibraltar from the Spanish in August 1704. Eager to dislodge their enemies from such an important naval base, the Spanish and their French allies laid siege with a force of 8,000 men in September 1704. Three naval battles were fought during the siege, all of which were victories for the Anglo-Dutch defenders. One of these battles is depicted along the lower margin of the map.

The siege was lifted after nine months of fruitless attacks with over 10,000 French and Spanish troops dead to disease and injuries. Remarkably, only 400 Anglo-Dutch soldiers were killed during the siege, despite harsh conditions and several attempted mutinies.

Gibraltar, along with Menorca, was ceded to Britain at the end of the war in 1713.

Original colour. [SP2174]