Stories from the Military Museum of Menorca (and 6): First British rule in the 18th century

Mahon, August 29, 2024

In 1708 troops of the pro-Austrian alliance commanded by Stanhope, obtained by surprise the surrender of the San Felipe castle. The island remains under the sovereignty of the pretender Carlos III, although the real power is exercised by the English command. England begins the expansion of the castle.

In 1713, after signing the Treaty of Utrecht, England obtained sovereignty over Menorca, thus beginning its first domain. The Minorcans, supporters of the Austrian claimant, watch in dismay as their liberators become occupiers and later owners, and end up becoming British subjects. On the contrary, this meant maintaining their privileges and franchises, unlike the other regions of Spain where they were abolished by the centralist policy of the Bourbons.

King George I imposes an extreme Anglicanism on British politics. The promises of the new British Governor Kane to respect privileges and religion are not very clear in the signed treaty. The conflicts between the local and ecclesiastical authorities with the British are continuous. England moves the capital from Ciudadela to Mahón.

In 1718 the naval arsenal was created under the Mahon city walls. Years later, under the orders of Admiral Bing, it was moved to the other side of the harbor. The Vice Admiralty of Mahón is created.

1725 Congress of Cambray, Spain reconciles with England and Austria, but opposes with France.

England always based the defense of Menorca on the naval superiority of its fleet wereneeded. The fortifications that were on the island depended on receiving reinforcements because they were never endowed with the large garrison they needed (about 10,000 men, but never exceeded 3,000). When the naval support was lacking, Menorca could not resist the attack.

The extension of the castle carried out by the British has two phases, from 1708 to 1715 and from 1718 to 1738, separated by the Treaty of Utrecht. At the same time, the Naval Arsenal was built, and the Navy Hospital built on the King’s Island. Admiral Bing’s fleet, with 34 ships and 13,000 men, established its base in Mahón, which became the commercial center of the western Mediterranean.