The Rock of Gibraltar, at the southwestern tip of Europe, is a mass of limestone which was elevated over millions of years as Africa pushed into Europe. The result of this accident of Nature was the creation of one of the world’s most stunning geological monuments. In classical times it was one of the Pillars of Hercules, marker of the end of the world. In time this geological monument became a natural fortress. With the British capture of Gibraltar in 1704 it became the Fortress of Fortresses.
A large part of the Rock, dominated by its highest, southern, peak was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2016, when it became the United Kingdom’s 30th World Heritage Site. Though listed primarily for the evidence it provides of the Rock’s earliest inhabitants – the Neanderthals – the limestone block and military structures within are also hugely important associate attributes of the site.
Right on the knife-edged ridge of the Rock, at 426 metres directly above sea level and shielding the World Heritage Site directly below, are three massive guns. Dominating the landscape above all others is the 9.2” gun at O’Hara’s Battery.
The battery was named after Lieutenant General Charles O’Hara, Governor …
