Construction Lines of Contravallation of Gibraltar

map of gibraltar in 1799 jean-denis barbié du bocage, showing lines (far left) in relation gibraltar (centre , right) (north left)




situation of these forts , bastions on map of 18th century.

this sparked diplomatic dispute between britain , spain. during negotiations led treaty of utrecht of 1713, under spain ceded gibraltar britain, british government sought compel spanish cede convenient quantity of land round gibraltar, viz., distance of 2 cannon shot ... absolutely necessary preventing occasions of dispute between garrison , country ... spanish government adamantly refused , agree cede town , castle of gibraltar, port, fortifications , forts thereto belonging , explicitly rejecting suggestion britain had claim on isthmus. insisted there no open communication land country round about.

when work began on lines of contravallation, british again asserted although territorial jurisdiction not ceded fortress of gibraltar treaty of utrecht, recognised maxim , constant usage in favour of fortified places, ground commended cannon pertains them ... once again spanish rejected this; spanish secretary of state, marquis de la paz, replied british démarche point out cannon shot rule had not been agreed in treaty, , in case ordinary range of cannon 200 250 toises , line set more 600 toises distance fortress . noted in fact spanish have built lines nearer fortress in order maintain relations [his majesty] has sought banish not founded misgivings of england, causing line taken place situate[d] . building works continued despite british protests hostile act , demands, spanish ignored, lines should removed distance of 5,000 yards fortress walls.