Grand Casemates Square (colloquially Casemates Square or Casemates) is the larger of the two main squares within the city centre of Gibraltar (the other being John Mackintosh Square). The square takes its name from the British-built Grand Casemates, a casemate and bombproof barracks at the northern end of the square completed in 1817.[1][2]
Located at the northern end of Main Street, the square is lined with numerous pubs, bars and restaurants[2] and acts as the gateway into Gibraltar's city centre for most tourists.
History
Archaeological finds at Grand Casemates Square in the 1990s, included remains of what are believed to be the foundations of a 14th-century galley house.
Grand Casemates Square dates back to Gibraltar's Moorish period when the place was first fortified, making it as old as the city itself.[3]
Moorish period
The square is built on sand that was once a beach. In May 1160 Moroccans sent by the Almohad rulerAbd al-Mu'min landed to lay the foundations of the first substantial settlement.[4] This "City of Victory" (Medinat al-Fath) was small and included the area within the Moorish Castle and the land just below. It was this new ruler who changed the name of the rock to Jabal al-Fath meaning Mount of Conquest.[4]
In the late 15th century a gate in the wall near Water Gate was opened to let galleys in. The building of the Old Mole in the 1570s led to the passage silting and the galley house became unusable.[5]
The area of Grand Casemates Square formed part of the old town Spanish: Villa Vieja during Spanish times, being walled with its own gates and towers.[5] Early 17th century plans refer to this area as La Barcina.[2]
Following the problems the Spanish faced with the buildings sinking into the soft wet ground, the British began to construct fortress walls and battlements on higher, more solid ground.[2][6] In 1770, chief engineerWilliam Green began preparatory work for the construction of Grand Casemates as bombproof barracks on the square's northern flank.[2][5] However, its construction was not started until after the Great Siege of 1779-1783 and it was finished in 1817 under the governorship of General Sir George Don.[5]
After the Great Siege the British decided to demolish most buildings within the square which had suffered great damage. This opened up the area into an esplanade which could be used for public events such military parades and public executions.[2][6]
Grand Casemates Square was once the site of public military hangings,[7] with the last one being held in 1864.[6][8]
Archaeology
Following excavations during the refurbishment of the square in the 1990s, archeological remains of a galley house were unearthed.[5] These foundations are still on display in the square.[9]
21st century
Nowadays Grand Casemates Square has become a commercial hub housing numerous pubs, bars, restaurants and shops[6] following the refurbishment of the square in the 1990s to replace a car park which occupied half the square.[10] The square is also used to host various cultural events from live open-air concerts, to National Day celebrations.[6] In 2012 the square was host to celebration for Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebration which was attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.[citation needed]
^ abNorris, H.T. (1961). "The Early Islamic Settlement in Gibraltar". Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland. 91: 39–51. JSTOR2844467?.
