Ruins of Fort St. Barbara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruins of the Fort of St. Barbara |
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| Native name Spanish: Ruínas del Fuerte de Santa Bárbara |
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| Location | La Línea de la Concepción, Spain |
| Official name: Ruínas del Fuerte de Santa Bárbara | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1994 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0008999 |
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The Ruins of Fort St. Barbara (in Spanish: Ruínas del Fuerte de Santa Bárbara) are the remains of an old fort in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain. This historical site was officially recognized as a special cultural interest (called Bien de Interés Cultural) in 1994.
Contents
History of Fort St. Barbara
Why the Fort Was Built
The Fort St. Barbara was a part of a bigger defense system. This system was known as the Lines of Contravallation of Gibraltar. Spain built these defenses after Gibraltar was taken by British and Dutch forces in 1704.
Later, in 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht was signed. This agreement officially gave Gibraltar to the United Kingdom. Spain also gave Britain Menorca and the right to sell enslaved people to Spanish colonies. Because of this, Spain built a strong defensive line. This line was at the northern end of the narrow strip of land that connects the Rock of Gibraltar to Spain. The town of La Línea gets its name from this defense line. The main goal was to stop the British from attacking or moving further into Spain.
How the Fort Was Destroyed
Years later, Spain and the UK made a new agreement. They decided to help each other against Napoleon. As part of this plan, they agreed to destroy the defense line. They thought this would stop the forts from falling into French hands.
On February 14, 1810, Colonel Sir Charles Holloway led the destruction of the main Spanish lines. After the big explosions, other towers were also destroyed. Volunteers then helped to clear away all the rubble.
The Fort Today
Today, the ruins of Fort St. Barbara belong to the Spanish municipality of La Línea de la Concepción. In 1994, these ruins were officially named a national cultural interest of Spain. This means they are protected and important historical sites.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte de Santa Bárbara (España) para niños
