HERITAGE NEWS 20

First issued: 11th September 2014

The month of August has been far from quiet for the Trust. In fact, there is never truly a ‘quiet period’ for the Trust. This newsletter will give you an update on two of a number of restoration projects that have been going on over the summer period and also the latest state of play on heritage issues on the Trust’s radar.

THE SPANISH FOUNTAIN RESTORATION

The remains of what is commonly known as the ‘Spanish Fountain’ on the boulevard by Zoca Flank has been the  subject of a restoration project. This fountain was originally located at Fountain Ramp, and was moved to Castle Street in 1887 where it remained until 1967 when it was moved to its current position. What has survived and can be seen today is just the fascia of the fountain. With it having been moved so many times, a number of features on it had been lost and past repairs had been carried out with inappropriate materials. We are fortunate in that we have a historical document in Lieut. James’ ‘History of the Herculean Straits’ (published 1771) there is a diagram and cross section of the fountain as it stood and functioned when it was in Fountain Ramp. Using this document, and following a donation from a locally based company, we were able to work with Charles Anes, local stonemasons, we have been able to repair the old repairs so that they are less intrusive and reintroduce the marble cross and finials that were missing from the top of the fountain. All that remains now is to provide an interpretation board on site to tell the story of the fountain.  Many thanks to GML Ltd, whose donation to the Trust made the restoration possible, and to Charles Anes for who carried out the works.

 The fountain, before, after and during restoration

BOXCAR RESTORATION

Before work began

The Trust is currently actively embarked on a restoration of the last known surviving railway box car in Gibraltar.

Gibraltar had an extensive railway system within the Gibraltar Dockyard and neighbouring works and storage facilities. It included tunnels, one of which traversed through the rock. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries there was also a temporary industrial railway in Gibraltar. At the period when both railways were operational, it was possible to travel right round the entire coastline of Gibraltar by train. The dockyard railway had a roster of 17 locomotives, distinguished by numbers, but four of which also carried names: Gibraltar, Catalan, Rosia, and Calpe.

Work on the project commenced in early July when local carpentry and joinery firm, Rock Joinery, who are carrying out the project on behalf of the Trust, carefully dismantled the boxcar where is stood in its siding in Dutch Magazine Gorge. Each piece was painstakingly labelled, every nut and bolt and bracket carefully removed and taken off site for safe storage. GibDock then provided the necessary support to remove the undercarriages into their yard in the Dockyard where they have been sandblasted to remove the rust and reconditioned ready for reconstruction of the carriage. 

Disassembly in progress

Pieces stacked and labelled for reassembly

Reassembly in progress

Boxcar taking shape

Craftsman at work

The pieces where then moved to the premises of the Gibraltar Electrical and Mechanical Services yard where they are currently being reconstructed by the Rock Joinery team. The process is a slow one because the team are reusing as much of the original timber as possible. This entails stripping, filling and reconditioning each and every piece, making a replacement using the original as a template where this is not possible and putting it all back together following the drawings and notes made on disassembly.

Once ready the boxcar and associated items will be displayed in a prominent location in Gibraltar, recovering a piece of our industrial and little known railway heritage for all to see and appreciate. 

Thanks to all those involved in the progress of this project so far – GibDock, RockJoinery, GMES, Government of Gibraltar and Gil Podesta. We will keep you updated with the latest on this project as it progresses.

PARLIAMENT LIFT UPDATE

Following the Trust’s press release on the proposed Government project to install an exterior lift at the Parliament Building which was tabled at the July meeting of the DPC and coverage on the item in the local press, the Trust has written to the Chief Minister proposing a number of solutions for providing disabled access to the building and addressing a number of safety concerns such as emergency evacuation. We are continuing to work on a solution that will retain the character and symmetry of the building whilst providing the required level of access.

You can read further articles on press coverage on this debate here:

YGTV: http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/society/7200-aug-01-government-says-parliament-lift-is-essential-in-this-day-and-age

GBC: http://www.gbc.gi/news/4093/heritage-trust-challenges-parliament-lift

http://www.gbc.gi/news/4106/government-defends-proposed-parliament-lift

GIBRALTAR CHRONICLE: http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=34371

 http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=34380

NORTH GORGE

The recently announced tender process for development of the North Gorge into an ‘Eco Housing Development’ is of concern to the Trust. We have today (3/9/14) issued the following release to the local press:

“The Gibraltar Heritage Trust would like to add its voice to concerns on this development of the North Gorge site. The concerns of GONHS in relation to the preservation of the biodiversity and natural environment of this site are supported by the Trust. In addition to the need to preserve and protect the natural heritage of this area, which is geologically unique, there are a number of heritage features within the site which are of significance.

Judge’s Cave, a Neolithic shelter, is protected under the Gibraltar Heritage Trust Act. We are also particularly concerned for the fate of the Victorian Cold Stores that supplied the Garrison. These stores, converted from a magazine, consist of large vaulted chambers which are stacked four stories below the ground. More research is required to ascertain the history of these stores and whether these are the first of their kind built for Britain or even the last relatively well preserved facility (perhaps) in the world. They were linked by tunnel to the Victualling Yard and are in a state of dilapidation, although many of the fixtures and fittings (cooling racks, machinery, doors, etc) are still intact.

There are also two brick ventilation shafts from the stores and two Anderson Shelters dating from WWII which are relatively well preserved.

This asset has been lying dormant for decades and is worthy of further study and survey of our built and natural environment to ensure that all factors have been considered and redlines drawn before the site is put out for development.”

A copy of the Government tender notice can be found here:

https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/official-notices/5924-tender-for-the-redevelopment-of-north-gorge-into-an-eco-residential-scheme

A copy of GONHS’ statement on the tender can be read here: http://www.gonhs.org/press.htm#North

WELLINGTON FRONT

The Trust is immensely pleased to see the commencement of works on the restoration and beautification of Wellington Front.

This listed monument constitutes a major part of the City Walls and has been in dire need of investment for decades. The Government took the project to the DPC in 2012 and since this time major infrastructural works have taken place to address the historical flooding problems associated with this site. The fortification itself has been tunnelled through below road level on the Queensway side to enable the area within the bastion to be mechanically drained during periods of heavy rain. Now that these works have been completed, work has started in earnest on the rest of the project – the removal of accretions within the gorge area and atop the walls, restoration of the walls themselves and reconditioning of the vaults for use by clubs and societies and to provide eating and leisure facilities and community space.

The outline planning application which includes artists impressions of the scheme can be viewed here https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/government-development-projects/appins-archives/3044-wellington-front .

The Trust has worked closely with the Ministry for Heritage and other Government Departments on identifying what needed to be retained and what could be removed. In the main, most of the WWII adaptations to the top part of the bastion will be retained as will all the traverses and the shell/powder magazine. A blast wall at the northern end of the bastion has been removed so as to repair and expose a 19^th Century dressed stone building and a further blast wall in the northern end of the gorge has also been removed. Any removals have been catalogued and a photographic record taken for posterity. The existing toilet block will also be demolished as will other accretions within the gorge, however original powder magazines will remain.  Accretions such as cabling, pipes and rusting metal will also be removed from the exterior of the wall. As part of the project, off street parking will no longer be allowed, with designated areas for drop off and pick up only. The whole bastion will be feature lit which will bring the site to life at night also. The introduction of the cycle path and promenade along the top of the wall will open up another section of our City Walls. The old Parish Centre nissen hut building, today a Mosque, will be deconstructed once the mosque has been suitably relocated, however the plans are to leave the skeleton of the hut which will add interest to the area and also provide a shaded spot once greenery has been allowed to become established. All this detail can be appreciated in the outline application.

The project is a major heritage restoration project and one that will no doubt enhance our heritage assets whilst at the same time providing a sustainable use in terms of community and leisure facilities.

HERITAGE NEWS 019

First issued: 8th August 2014

Welcome back to our blog. We have created a new mailing list. If you wish to receive the content of this blog direct into your e-mail inbox, then drop us an email to: heritage@gibraltar.gi

Dear Members,
It is now 8 weeks since the newly restored and refurbished Main Guard offices of the Trust have reopened to the public and the membership. The Board has many exiting plans for the future of the Trust and we would like all of you who are able and willing, to take part.
Many of you have expressed willingness to volunteer for GHT activities and this is precisely what we have in mind. To start with we would like to form a register of interested members. On this register we would place your name and contact details and more importantly what areas of interest, skill or even expertise you may have. We would also like to know what areas of activity you would like get involved in. When we have a significant number to get started then we would like to invite potential volunteers to a meeting at the Main Guard to for organised groups and may be discuss possible projects to get started with.
I as Chairman am confident that there are many interested individuals in Gibraltar who would like to give some of their spare time to help protect and enhance our heritage. I will also advertise to non members to also join us as future members and volunteers.
Together we can all make a difference.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dr Keith Farrell,
Chairman.

GIBRALTAR PARLIAMENT LIFT

Artists impression of lift as presented to the DPC meeting

Those of you that follow the local media will have seen the Trust issue a statement on its view on the proposed lift for Parliament. As a Gibraltar Government project the application is tabled at the Development and Planning Commission for guidance and comment rather than permission as with all other private building applications.

This is the press release as issued by the Trust on 29th July 2014:

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED:

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust is concerned at the current proposal to install a lift to the Parliament Building. The Trust acknowledges that it is important for there to be access for disabled persons to this public building, however, is of the view that this can be achieved without affecting the external appearance of this building.
 
The Parliament Building is listed under Schedule B of the 1989 Gibraltar Heritage Trust Act and as such has been identified as a building of historical significance to Gibraltar and its people. It should therefore be noted that as well as planning permission a Heritage License is also required to be issued as per the requirements of the Act.
 
The installation of a lift as proposed, that is an addition to the exterior of the building, will affect the symmetry of this important building and also the setting of the John Mackintosh Square itself and the Trust would not recommend approval. The Trust would go further and take the view that the installation of a lift as proposed would impair the integrity and character of the building and would therefore not be allowed under Section 49(a) of the Heritage Trust Act.
 
The Trust would recommend that Government take a longer view to the development of the Parliament building and look at recovering the ground floor of this civic building for Parliamentary interests. In the short term, consideration of the installation of a chair lift on the interior staircase should be looked at so that disabled access to the public gallery can be achieved.

CONCERN AT LOSS OF HISTORICAL COLONIAL PROPERTIES

Image: Lind House in 2010, prior to its total demolition

Copy of press release issued 29th July 2014

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust is concerned at the number of ex MoD quarters in the South District which are being bought by millionaires from abroad and are either demolishing the existing building with a view of building a modern mansion, or are building an extension which, when completed, simply destroys the original character of the property.

Examples of these are The New Aloes and Mount Barbary, both were demolished and there are now two massive modern buildings currently sitting empty. Lind House which was demolished several years ago and holds planning permission to build a modern mansion. Beaulieu House which has been partially demolished and has planning permission to build a modern extension that will dwarf the original building. There is currently a planning application to build a massive extension at Naval Hospital Hill.

The Trust understands that it is very much in Gibraltar's interest to attract wealthy individuals but there has to be a balance. There are several developments which have gone ahead for the benefit of these individuals, the Maida Vale project, Buena Vista, The Island to name a few. The South District was until recently mainly MoD land, the MoD built married quarters within the South District for its officers and SNCOs, they were thus modest buildings and this is what gives this area it's character.

The Trust will be using its representation and vote at the DPC to attempt to influence its decisions, it will do everything within its power to ensure that the uniqueness of Gibraltar is preserved as much as possible.

The above release of 29th July 2014 was extensively covered in local press and included a statement from the Government clarifying timescales of the demolitions of these buildings. The reports can be read here: 

http://www.panorama.gi/ article entitled: Demolition of exMOD housing 'has nothing to do with this Government'

GBC covered the story: http://www.gbc.gi/news/4125/heritage-trust-'concern'-at-colonial-house-demolitions

As did YGTV: http://www.yourgibraltartv.com/politics/7225-aug-05-government-sets-record-straight-over-demolition-of-colonial-houses

The Trust has now responded and clarified its concerns in a release issued on the 8th August 2014 which reads as follows:

"The Gibraltar Heritage Trust thanks the Government for its response to our concerns about the past demolition of ex MOD married quarters. Our original press release did not, at any point, make any reference to the present administration or point any finger of blame. We were expressing our concern about the gradual trend in the last 10  years of the loss of these houses and their replacement by millionaire mansions.
 
It is indeed correct that the properties referred to in our press release suffered demolition under the previous administration and we regret that whole heartedly. The process by which the whole story of a property going from successful original tender to resale, gradual deterioration, neglect, speculation and eventual demolition and replacement by a modern mansion, happens under the noses of the Government of the day, the Opposition of the day and various other government departments and agencies.
 
There is, therefore, a collective responsibility which must be shared by all those in authority for the demise of such buildings. The Trust, as custodians of Gibraltar's Heritage, is very aware of the general public's feelings about these iconic buildings. Whilst during this administration's term of office we have not, as yet, had a full demolition of an exMOD married quarter, we remain vigilant and concerned that events such as the approval of the demolition of the Risso Bakery at the DPC, will result in the setting of a precedent that will be hard to stop. The DPC is, of course, not the Government but despite the very great improvements seen under the present administration by opening up the meetings to the public, the Trust still has serious concerns about heritage conservation"

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY AND THE CROSS OF SACRIFICE

See below copy of letter sent by the Trust Chairman to the Gibraltar Chronicle. Story was run by the Chronicle on Friday 1st August 2014.

On the 28th of July this year we started the commemoration of the centenary of the start of the Great War(WW1). Many of us have lost ancestors in this terrible conflict, but even those that haven't feel a deep sense of respect for all those millions of lives lost and ruined by this tragic war.
On the Sunday closest to the 11th November(Armistice Day) Gibraltar too pays its respect to the fallen not only of this war but of subsequent conflicts. Traditionally Remembrance Sunday was observed at the Cross of Sacrifice at North Front. This granite cross and sword and its surrounding plaques bears witness to that great sacrifice. Similar monuments to the dead of the Great War and WW2 are scattered throughout the UK and the world, most having been erected in the early 1920s for this purpose.
In recent years the tradition of this commemoration has moved from the Cross of Sacrifice to the Gibraltar War Memorial on Line Wall Road.

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust believes that this ceremony should be returned to its original site. The reason for the original move was due to the infrastructural works on Devil's Tower Road. However, why has this commemoration not returned to the Cross of Sacrifice? Following enquiries the Trust understands that the Royal Gibraltar Police feels that the Cross of Sacrifice presents a logistical nightmare. The RGP feels that the security concerns, traffic management issues and the inconvenience caused to those that live in the area is too great problem to solve.

The Trust has consulted with the the Chief Minister, H.E. the Governor and representatives of the MOD. All would like to see Remembrance Sunday at the Cross Of Sacrifice despite some issues about security. The Gibraltar Tourist Board tells us that in November the average number of coaches on a Sunday is 4. The commercial side of the frontier would also be closed. This implies that at that time of the day on that day of the year vehicular traffic would be low.
The Trust hopes that by bringing this subject to public awareness the authorities will see a way round to bringing back Remembrance Sunday to its rightful home. A little logistical discomfort seems a small price to pay compared to the sacrifice of the lives lost during the Great War.

HERITAGE NEWS 018

First issued: 21st March 2014

Europa Stadium

On the 6^th March the Trust issued a press statement on our position on the stadium proposed for Europa Point. There has been much debate in the media over the pros and cons of such a development at the earmarked location. The Development and Planning Commission will be meeting on the 8^th April to consider the application for outline planning permission. You can catch up on last night’s GBC Viewpoint programme on the Stadium project through the GBC’s watch again link here: http://www.gbc.gi/television/tv-player.php?programme=216&episode=6627

This is the press release as issued by the Trust:

Gibraltar Heritage Trust's response to the proposed GFA Stadium at Europa Point.

Although it has only been recently that the details of the proposed GFA stadium at Europa Point have been released, the Trust has been following this issue closely and with a certain degree of apprehension. The impact on the surrounding heritage sites could not be assessed until the plan was fully laid out. This has now happened. There appears that there will be minimal loss to the visible heritage above ground, although we do not know as yet what lies beneath the surface in the form of galleries, mines, or natural caves. The enhancement of the walls will be very welcome. The early retirement of the Europa Lighthouse, however is a particular concern as its loss as a functioning icon will be very sadly missed even if the fate of the building at this point is unsure.

The Trust has had to keep in mind its specific remit to preserve Gibraltar's heritage and not express personal rather than professional opinions.

There is no doubt that the new stadium will be a massive structure that will overpower the natural heritage of the area.

During the early development of the concept of the location of the stadium to Europa, the Trust asked its membership for feedback regarding this and although there was a limited response the majority were against the Europa site. The Trust also approached other NGOs with a presumed interest in the issue when the location was first announced.

Finally the Trust must express its concern about the process by which the decisions on the location of the stadium have been made. Even though there is evidently a need for a new or upgraded stadium the Trust feels that the decision process has not had sufficient public involvement and that although the project still has to go to DPC the momentum of the project and the PR that has preceded the project will make the result of the DPC a forgone conclusion no matter what the feelings are of the general public that is only now starting to express its concerns and opinions. The fact that the architectural design never went to competition is also a concern.

At the last board meeting the Trust unanimously agreed that Europa point is the wrong location and that the GFA should seriously reconsider an alternative site.

The Trust would therefore encourage the general public not only to examine the exhibit but to make their feelings heard if indeed they too have objections to the siting of the stadium at Europa. The DPC will only then be able to represent the wishes of people in reaching a decision.

Natural Heritage Project

Trustee Alan Brownbridge oversees the planting

Volunteers head onto the slopes

 On Saturday 1st March the Gibraltar Heritage Trust kick-started our latest project which will see some 400 trees being planted in the area of Poca Roca (opposite Governor’s Lookout). The aim of the project, co-ordinated by the Trust, is two-fold as it also aims to promote Gibraltar’s natural heritage amongst the youth.

It was felt that the organizations involved represent a cross section of young people on the Rock. The Upper Rock is a greenspace we might often take for granted, but the need for its maintenance and promotions of biodiversity within it is an important element of our heritage. Greenarc ltd has grown some 400 oak saplings from seed and Trustee Alan Brownbridge felt it would be a good project to involve our youth in the project to plant them. GONHS and the Dept of Environment have all been involved in the planning stages in terms of finding best location to plant and Keith Bensusan was present on Sat morning to give the participants from the Youth Club some background into the significance of what they were helping to do. A group of Sea Scouts also helped out. Some 60 saplings were planted by the end of the session. Due to the relatively late rains this year which will affect the survival chances of the sapling, the aim is to build on this with further planting in the autumn.                       

Why Join the Trust?

We have been running a series of news items in the Gibraltar Chronicle aimed at raising awareness on the work of the Trustees on the Board of the Trust and why each personally feels it is important to belong to our organisation. We will reproduce the series as part of our e-newsletters, and would like to invite you to also send in your comments on why you feel it is important to support the work of the Trust with the aim of publishing them in the future.

This week it is the turn of Pete Jackson MBE, a member of the Board since 2009:

“A sense of belonging and the reasons for our existence! Our heritage plays a key part in forming our identity. It is human nature to seek information and to validate why we are who we are.

My interest in our heritage has long kept me busy researching the cause and effect of conflict. Having served in the military for over thirty years I find an inner beauty in the structure of these well considered defences, so crucial has Gibraltar proved to be over the centuries. These hidden military gems which we take for granted or simply pass without noticing, are present throughout our daily lives.

Such a small place on the scale of it but of proven military importance. Pivotal through 1700’s 1800’s and indeed the mid 1900’s Gibraltar is festooned with the evidence of its former defences. Barely a corner exists which does not allow for a Caponier, a Pill Box or other defensive structure.

Our beloved Rock is still revealing its inner secrets from days long gone and it is these unique ancestral vestiges that we must respect and cherish. For this reason I value my place on the Board of Trustees as I see it as a chance to ensure we keep our military history for the future generations to understand and appreciate.

Without the sacrifices of our forefathers Gibraltar may have been an entirely different place.”

February Member Outing

On Saturday 22nd February members of the Trust visited the The Dockyard Tower, current home of HQBF. The tour was led by Major David Seed and Ms Jane Payas, PA to Commodore Klink (CBF). The tour started with an interesting audio visual presentation by David covering the history of the Dockyard and its heritage and strategic importance. The role played by the Dockyard throughout the years was very ably presented and illustrated with some rare photographs and plans of the facilities.

After this, those attending were split into two groups. One group went up to the top of the Tower whilst the other half visited CBF's office (previously the offices of the Flag Officer, Gibraltar). The views from the Tower are breathtaking and it was a wonderful opportunity to take some great photographs. The groups were then swapped round to allow the others to go up the Tower.

An interesting collection of original plans of the Dockyard and photographs were available for viewing in CBF's office. This, together with other memorabilia, made the visit a very worthwhile morning's outing thoroughly enjoyed by all.

On behalf of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, I would like to thank David Seed and Jane Payas for hosting a fascinating visit to a site that is rarely accessible to the public.

HERITAGE NEWS 017

First issued: 6th March 2014

Updates

It’s been some time since our last e-newsletter. There is quite a lot to update you on so we will do this over the next couple of weeks.

Risso Bakery Update

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust regrets to announce that it has been unable to alter the outcome following the decision by the Development and Planning Commission at the December 2013 to permit the demolition of the Old Risso Bakery to make way for the construction of a modern hotel on the site.

Following that DPC meeting in which the decision to proceed with the hotel construction and the demolition of the bakery was passed by a majority of 4 to 3, the GHT appealed  to the developers to reconsider and at least to save the facade of the building to maintain the street scape of Engineer's Lane. Apart from the written appeal, the Trust brought the topic to the public domain by media coverage, including social media, and a public petition. A total of about 714 signatures were obtained to stop complete demolition of the building and to keep the facade. The campaign was halted in late January in the hope that there might have been room for further negotiation at official level to make some late alterations to the project, but unfortunately this has come to nothing.

At a meeting with the developer on the 17th February, the Trust was informed that viability of the project was dependent on the plans as presented to the DPC and that the very significant extra cost of keeping the facade would not be entertained by the developer.

The GHT will be unable to pursue this protest any further and has to accept the loss of this iconic building.

Despite this unwanted outcome, the Government has recognised the need to avoid this type heritage loss in the old town and has put together a committee to examine not only the many  other properties which are at risk of a similar fate, but to also look at the wider issues that impact negatively on the preservation of the old town. The Trust is committed to contributing to its full potential towards this committee but realises that successful action will only come about with the vocal support of the general public. With this in mind, we would like to encourage the general public to use it to voice their concerns on heritage issues either by bringing their concerns to the Trust or through wider public participation forums such as the DPC.

In the meantime, if any member has any historical photographs or interesting annecdotes of the Risso Bakery, please could you send us a copy via email or post?

Heritage on the Social Network

If you are active on Social Media Networks you may have noticed the increase in activity in these areas of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. The Trust now has a Facebook page, and is active on Twitter and Instagram as @GibHeritage. The aim of the accounts is not to debate issues, but rather to raise awareness about and celebrate aspects of Gibraltar’s unique heritage. Why don’t you look us up?

Why Join the Trust?

We have been running a series of news items in the Gibraltar Chronicle aimed at raising awareness on the work of the Trustees on the Board of the Trust and why each personally feels it is important to belong to our organisation. We will reproduce the series as part of our e-newsletters, and would like to invite you to also send in your comments on why you feel it is important to support the work of the Trust with the aim of publishing them in the future.

We start with our current longest serving Board Member, Manolo Galliano:

“I have been a Trustee of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust since November 2006 and have found my time in it as edifying, educational and interesting, although on many occasions, it has also been frustrating. I say this because there appears to be a profound apathy from the wider general public on what constitutes our heritage and how it should be protected, coupled with the constant pressure from developers in continuing to want to alter Gibraltar's special charm by the unsympathetic construction of out-of-character developments, which jar completely with other adjoining buildings or streetscapes, especially in the city centre.

Heritage, and with this I mean our heritage and that which we will leave for our children to inherit, is not only made up of worthy historical buildings, fortifications or archaeological sites, nor is it just our incomparable flora, fauna, geology and landscape of our beloved Rock. It is all this and more, it is our memories and aspirations as communities of peoples of different nations that have inhabited this homeland for hundreds of years, even millennia, if we are also to include our more distant forbearers. Our political and economic well-being is of utmost importance, but we must not forget to protect that which makes Gibraltar such a unique place. And remember- that which is lost, is lost forever!”

January Member Outing

The latest outing for GHT members held in January was a visit to the Gibraltar Museum where we were treated to an up close tour of the museum installations. Clive and Geraldine Finlayson, and Darren Fa, took the group on an extensive tour of the museum displays explaining in detail the stories behind the objects and their place in Gibraltar’s timeline. Having been curator at the Museum for over 20 years, Prof Finlayson was able to give the personal touch to the concept for the displays, and recent projects that had been undertaken by the Museum team. This included a comprehensive explanation of the Gorham’s Cave project and the importance of its recognition as a World Heritage Site. The tour lasted just over 2 hours with many taking the opportunity to ask questions and satisfy their curiosity on many aspects of Gibraltar’s history. Our thanks as always to the Museum team for what was an enjoyable and fascinating morning. 

St Jago's Arch Restored

This article first appeared in a Gibraltar Heritage Trust Supplement

 in the Gibraltar Chronicle on 31st August 2010,

by Manolo Galliano.

SAVING 'NUESTRA SENORA DEL ROSARIO'

Few Gibraltarians passing by the building fronting the Main Street side of the Income Tax building at the southern end of town bother to even glance at the blocked-up doorway, located therein. This is a far cry from the hundreds of curious tourists from all nationalities who invariably stop to take photographs of it and also read the descriptive plaque inserted on the wall. The latter, which was set up in the mid 1960's, has completely incorrect information, as the said gateway was never transported from any other defunct church in any other district, but has been in situ since it was built as part of the original building in the early 16th century. This seems to be a sad state of affairs, especially taking into account that it is one of the very few relics of Gibraltar's past encompassing the Spanish occupation of the fortress and bearing in mind its obvious deteriorated state.

 

General view of the arch

Crumbling stonework on the pillars 

Stonework eroding away

This doorway is all that remains of a small chapel called the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary), built circa 1530/40. It is constructed of sandstone in the Renaissance style architecture, encompassing elegant fluted columns, an archway with roundels and an architrave decorated with rosette symbols. It is almost identical to the existing blocked-up archway which formed the main entrance to the church of the Franciscan monastery, remodelled and enlarged circa 1533, now the Governor's residence and situated inside the garages at the back of the Convent.

The hermitage appears in a series of preparatory sketches and drawings of Gibraltar undertaken by the Flemish artist Anton Van de Wyngaerde in 1567 as a commission for King Philip II of Spain. He had previously travelled to London in order to draw views of the capital for the said king on the occasion of his marriage to Queen Mary Tudor in 1554. These drawings, which are now in the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, include a small rectangular building at the southern end of the city, designated as Nuestra Senora del Rosario, which is shown as having a very ornate doorway, under a triangular pediment (the latter no longer in existence).

Alonso Hernandez del Portillo in his 'Historia de la Muy Noble y Mas Leal Ciudad de Gibraltar' written between 1610 and 1622, states that the Baluarte de Nuestra Senora del Rosario (now South Bastion) was so called due to the proximity of the hermitage to the said fortification.

Luis Bravo in his 'Gibraltar Fortificada' (Mss.Add.15.152 in the British Museum), dated 30 January 1627 and dedicated to Don Gaspar de Guzman, Conde Duque de Olivares, prepared various detailed plans of the fortifications of Gibraltar. In a bird's eye view drawing of the layout of houses and streets, the hermitage can be clearly seen in its present location, being shown as a rectangular building, topped by a cross, with its entrance to the main street.

The Revd. Geronimo de la Concepcion in his 'Emporio de el Orbe; Cadiz Ilustrada' of 1690, writing about Gibraltar, lists a total of 16 religious establishments including the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario.

  

1627 plan showing the hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario just to the left of the Southport Gates.

1753 plan showing the hermitage as a store house.

With the capture of Gibraltar by the Anglo-Dutch forces on 24 July 1704, all the churches, chapels and convents, with the exception of the Franciscan monastery (now the Convent) and the Church of St. Mary the Crowned (now the Roman Catholic Cathedral), were either looted or taken over by the occupying forces for other tactical purposes, including as stores. This was indeed the case with the Hermitage of Nuestra Senora del Rosario which is shown as being utilised as a storeroom in the 'Particular Survey of the City of Gibraltar' undertaken in 1753. The said plan shows a small rectangular building with access to the main street, having a series of pillars, dividing it into two aisles and at the eastern end having four narrow steps going up to a platformed area, which would originally have been the sanctuary for the altar.

Doorway circa turn of the 20th century, doorway reads 'Ordnance Store Department'.

Main Street early 1900s after conversion of the barrack block.

During the Great Siege of 1779/1783, the southern side of the city escaped the worst of the damage inflicted by the heavy bombardment of the Spanish and French besieging forces and it is very possible that the hermitage survived this onslaught. Nevertheless, in 1883, most of the building was demolished in order to construct the Royal Engineers Barracks, later known as the St. Jago's Barracks. Fortunately, the western facade which contained the original ornate gateway was kept and incorporated into the fabric of the new building. The latter would, over the years house the St. Jago's School (1958-1972) and shortly after the offices of the Income Tax Department.

Who could have surmised in the early 16th century, that the use of the place would change so drastically from ecclesiastical to the military and then to the educational, finalising in the financial! 

22nd January 2014: The restoration of the arch has been undertaken by the Gibraltar Museum and was officially unveiled last night by the Minister for Heritage. A superb restoration to a feature of our urban heritage. http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=32557