Menorca became Spanish again in 1802

The English reoccupied Menorca in 1798 in response to the alliance of Spain and France in the treaty of San Ildefonso. Thus began the last British domination of the Island that lasted 4 years and during which the Castle of San Felipe and new defense towers were rebuilt, so that this time was highlighted by a frenzied construction activity.

Four years later, in 1802, with the signing of the Peace of Amiens between France and England, Menorca was returned to Spain permanently. Then began the slow exodus of English troops. The captain general of Mallorca, Joan Miquel Vives, received from the last English governor, the keys to Ciudadela and the symbolic transfer of the demolished fortress of Sant Felip.

The historian and Colonel of Engineers Francisco Fornals (D.E.P.), assured that “the English found on the island of Malta conditions similar to those of Menorca, that is, a magnificent port very well located in the Mediterranean Sea. This is how they forgot Menorca and located the base of their squad in Malta to continue dominating the Mediterranean”.