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Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History
A rip-roaring account of the dramatic four-year siege of Britain’s Mediterranean garrison by Spain and France—an overlooked key to the British loss in the American Revolution
For more than three and a half years, from 1779 to 1783, the tiny territory of Gibraltar was besieged and blockaded, on land and at sea, by the overwhelming forces of Spain and France. It became the longest siege in British history, and the obsession with saving Gibraltar was blamed for the loss of the American colonies in the War of Independence.
Located between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, on the very edge of Europe, Gibraltar was a place of varied nationalities, languages, religions, and social classes. During the siege, thousands of soldiers, civilians, and their families withstood terrifying bombardments, starvation, and disease. Very ordinary people lived through extraordinary events, from shipwrecks and naval battles to an attempted invasion of England and a daring sortie out of Gibraltar into Spain. Deadly innovations included red-hot shot, shrapnel shells, and a barrage from immense floating batteries.
This is military and social history at its best, a story of soldiers, sailors, and civilians, with royalty and rank and file, workmen and engineers, priests, prisoners of war, spies, and surgeons, all caught up in a struggle for a fortress located on little more than two square miles of awe-inspiring rock. The Greatest Siege in British History is an epic page-turner, rich in dramatic human detail — a tale of courage, endurance, intrigue, desperation, greed, and humanity. The everyday experiences of all those involved are brought vividly to life with eyewitness accounts and expert research.
For more than three and a half years, from 1779 to 1783, the tiny territory of Gibraltar was besieged and blockaded, on land and at sea, by the overwhelming forces of Spain and France. It became the longest siege in British history, and the obsession with saving Gibraltar was blamed for the loss of the American colonies in the War of Independence.
Located between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, on the very edge of Europe, Gibraltar was a place of varied nationalities, languages, religions, and social classes. During the siege, thousands of soldiers, civilians, and their families withstood terrifying bombardments, starvation, and disease. Very ordinary people lived through extraordinary events, from shipwrecks and naval battles to an attempted invasion of England and a daring sortie out of Gibraltar into Spain. Deadly innovations included red-hot shot, shrapnel shells, and a barrage from immense floating batteries.
This is military and social history at its best, a story of soldiers, sailors, and civilians, with royalty and rank and file, workmen and engineers, priests, prisoners of war, spies, and surgeons, all caught up in a struggle for a fortress located on little more than two square miles of awe-inspiring rock. The Greatest Siege in British History is an epic page-turner, rich in dramatic human detail — a tale of courage, endurance, intrigue, desperation, greed, and humanity. The everyday experiences of all those involved are brought vividly to life with eyewitness accounts and expert research.
480 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2017
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463 people want to read
About the author
Roy A. Adkins
29 books43 followersRoy Adkins is a historian and archaeologist. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 30, 2017
From 1779 to 1783 the Spanish and French Ships had blockaded the British owned City of Gibraltar. The Spanish also besieged the city by land. The obsession with saving Gibraltar was blamed for the loss of the American colonies by some historians.
The authors tell the story of the siege. They tell the stories of the soldiers, their families and civilian workers who withstood the bombardment, starvation and diseases for three years. The fortress was located on about two square miles of rock. The British Army conducted daring guerilla strikes into Spain. In the end, the French Navy was eventually sunk when their gun batteries overheated and exploded. I enjoyed the descriptions from Mrs. Green’s diary about the various diseases that went through the city and army base. I found the information about smallpox the most interesting. Sometimes smallpox was brought in on a ship that ran the blockade and at other times it seemed to be a seasonal outbreak. Mrs. Green appeared to be most upset that Governor Elliott did not allow vaccinations to stop the epidemic. Mrs. Green had excellent descriptions of other diseases and the effects of starvation such as scurvy. The authors report that food prices were extremely high but the Governor did not allow price fixing because of the high profits to be made which were the incentive to the privateers to risk running the blockade.
The book is well written and meticulously researched. The Adkin’s writing style is to intersperse narrative with first-hand accounts that give an accurate picture of the times. The authors reveal step by step every major decision made by Governor Elliott and the military staff. This provides a fascinating insight into the officers and the wives as well as the enlisted men and civilian workers. The book format provides a comprehensive bibliography and index as well as maps, diagrams and photographs. The Adkins are well-known British archeologists and historians and have written a number of books. For the more serious reader the book format would make an excellent reference book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours long. John Telfer does a good job narrating the book. Telfer is a well-known English actor and audiobook narrator.
The authors tell the story of the siege. They tell the stories of the soldiers, their families and civilian workers who withstood the bombardment, starvation and diseases for three years. The fortress was located on about two square miles of rock. The British Army conducted daring guerilla strikes into Spain. In the end, the French Navy was eventually sunk when their gun batteries overheated and exploded. I enjoyed the descriptions from Mrs. Green’s diary about the various diseases that went through the city and army base. I found the information about smallpox the most interesting. Sometimes smallpox was brought in on a ship that ran the blockade and at other times it seemed to be a seasonal outbreak. Mrs. Green appeared to be most upset that Governor Elliott did not allow vaccinations to stop the epidemic. Mrs. Green had excellent descriptions of other diseases and the effects of starvation such as scurvy. The authors report that food prices were extremely high but the Governor did not allow price fixing because of the high profits to be made which were the incentive to the privateers to risk running the blockade.
The book is well written and meticulously researched. The Adkin’s writing style is to intersperse narrative with first-hand accounts that give an accurate picture of the times. The authors reveal step by step every major decision made by Governor Elliott and the military staff. This provides a fascinating insight into the officers and the wives as well as the enlisted men and civilian workers. The book format provides a comprehensive bibliography and index as well as maps, diagrams and photographs. The Adkins are well-known British archeologists and historians and have written a number of books. For the more serious reader the book format would make an excellent reference book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours long. John Telfer does a good job narrating the book. Telfer is a well-known English actor and audiobook narrator.
January 22, 2020
An interesting, rich and compelling account of the siege.
The book is engaging, and the authors do a good job on providing background of how Britain ended up with Gibraltar, why the Spanish wanted it back, and how war with Spain broke out. The bulk of the narrative is then taken up with the actual siege.
The narrative is readable, lively, and moves along at a good pace despite the detail. The authors do a great job showing the wartime experience of British, Spanish and French officers and soldiers, the poor discipline and training on the British side, the suffering endured by the local civilians, and the humanity and craftiness of Governor Elliott.
There are a few minor issues, like the biographies of individual soldiers and some tangential discussions of how the era’s weapons worked. The story is also told mostly from the British side. Also, the authors do a good job describing how the war affected the siege, but not so much the other way around.
Still, a dramatic, well-researched and well-written work.
The book is engaging, and the authors do a good job on providing background of how Britain ended up with Gibraltar, why the Spanish wanted it back, and how war with Spain broke out. The bulk of the narrative is then taken up with the actual siege.
The narrative is readable, lively, and moves along at a good pace despite the detail. The authors do a great job showing the wartime experience of British, Spanish and French officers and soldiers, the poor discipline and training on the British side, the suffering endured by the local civilians, and the humanity and craftiness of Governor Elliott.
There are a few minor issues, like the biographies of individual soldiers and some tangential discussions of how the era’s weapons worked. The story is also told mostly from the British side. Also, the authors do a good job describing how the war affected the siege, but not so much the other way around.
Still, a dramatic, well-researched and well-written work.
January 11, 2019
Gibraltar tells a story of perseverance and courage. The siege of Gibraltar is a relatively unknown event, at least in the United States, which is ironic because the British efforts to keep their hold on the Rock had tangible affects on the war in America.
The story is told through the words of those who experienced this monumental, four year long siege. The Adkins rely heavily on eyewitness accounts, and it seemed to me that between one third and one half of the text consisted entirely of diary entries, memoirs, reports, and other forms of first hand accounts. On one hand, this reliance on primary sources lends the book a great deal of credibility, and it gives the reader an excellent sense of the privations experienced, the gruesome injuries sustained, and the emotions that were felt. The first hand accounts give the tale an authenticity that would be difficult to reach otherwise. However, at times I felt that the prose was too saturated with these excerpts. There were moments in which the authors relied too heavily on the accounts instead of explaining more clearly their own words. This feature was especially marked in dealing with the military movements and information. For instance, I rarely had a good grasp on the size of the forces involved. In military history, it's often the case that the private soldier's perspective is ignored in favor of the strategic situation. Here, I feel the case is the opposite.
That being said, I think Gibraltar is designed for a wider audience than the pure military historian. The Adkins do a wonderful job at explaining the nuances of living and soldiering in the 18th century, which makes this book accessible to anyone, regardless of their background knowledge. What's more, this book is illustrated with maps and pictures which greatly aid the reader in understanding the unique geography of Gibraltar. There are seven maps showing Europe, Britain, and most importantly, Gibraltar and its environs. Along with the maps are pictures of Gibraltar taken by the authors which provide excellent resources throughout the reading.
To conclude, the Adkins have provided an excellent, single volume narration of this incredible event. The book isn't perfect by any means, but I think readers will enjoy this book, no matter how much or little they knew about the siege beforehand.
The story is told through the words of those who experienced this monumental, four year long siege. The Adkins rely heavily on eyewitness accounts, and it seemed to me that between one third and one half of the text consisted entirely of diary entries, memoirs, reports, and other forms of first hand accounts. On one hand, this reliance on primary sources lends the book a great deal of credibility, and it gives the reader an excellent sense of the privations experienced, the gruesome injuries sustained, and the emotions that were felt. The first hand accounts give the tale an authenticity that would be difficult to reach otherwise. However, at times I felt that the prose was too saturated with these excerpts. There were moments in which the authors relied too heavily on the accounts instead of explaining more clearly their own words. This feature was especially marked in dealing with the military movements and information. For instance, I rarely had a good grasp on the size of the forces involved. In military history, it's often the case that the private soldier's perspective is ignored in favor of the strategic situation. Here, I feel the case is the opposite.
That being said, I think Gibraltar is designed for a wider audience than the pure military historian. The Adkins do a wonderful job at explaining the nuances of living and soldiering in the 18th century, which makes this book accessible to anyone, regardless of their background knowledge. What's more, this book is illustrated with maps and pictures which greatly aid the reader in understanding the unique geography of Gibraltar. There are seven maps showing Europe, Britain, and most importantly, Gibraltar and its environs. Along with the maps are pictures of Gibraltar taken by the authors which provide excellent resources throughout the reading.
To conclude, the Adkins have provided an excellent, single volume narration of this incredible event. The book isn't perfect by any means, but I think readers will enjoy this book, no matter how much or little they knew about the siege beforehand.
October 26, 2020
A quick read, this is an account of the Franco-Spanish siege of Gibralter of 1779-1783. Overlapping the American war of independence, it is a contention of the authors that the demands upon British resources eventuated by this, the successful conquest of Minorca and unsuccessful attempt to invade England (both discussed herein), may have substantially contributed to the British defeat and creation of the United States of America.
My mother used to live part of each year on the Spanish coast between Malaga and Gibralter. Despite having visited the area three times I never made to the Rock, but did, on one occasion, see faint outline of the Atlas Mountains in Africa across the sea.
My mother used to live part of each year on the Spanish coast between Malaga and Gibralter. Despite having visited the area three times I never made to the Rock, but did, on one occasion, see faint outline of the Atlas Mountains in Africa across the sea.
August 27, 2019
A decent account of the Siege of Gibraltar using mainly first had accounts via diaries of multiple participants. This is the books greatest strength and it biggest weakness. The diaries give a very personal feel to the narrative but at times it gets in the way of the history and worse makes the reading choppy so there is no flow.
If you know nothing about a pivotal siege that was happening during the time of the American Revolution this is worth a look.
If you know nothing about a pivotal siege that was happening during the time of the American Revolution this is worth a look.
June 9, 2018
Entertaining blend of military and social history, full of first-person accounts from diaries and letters of an epic siege that has previously received surprisingly little attention (at least on this side of the pond), given its impact on the War of Independence.
June 19, 2024
A story worth telling. However it is related entirely from the British perspective. There are endless quotes from a resident Mrs Green but no sources from the Spanish and French besiegers.
April 16, 2021
Bottom line: You need to know the Gibraltar Siege changed world history.
I really enjoyed learning about the siege of Gibraltar, and the Adkins do a great job with this book. I never learned about this event in a history class, which is surprising considering it changed the course of American history. America’s War for Independence might have had a different outcome had it not been for this three-year siege.
While I loved the book’s content, I found the prose a bit tiresome. Large segments of original testimony break up the flowing narrative. While this original material lends credibility to the narrative, the reader has to shift gears with each insert.
My criticism of the prose should not prevent someone from reading this book. Packed with remarkable war stories ranging from cannon bombardments to naval warfare, the book keeps the reader engaged. How will this end? Who survives? Not even Hollywood could create a story to compete with this real event.
Complete with maps and photos of historical engravings, the book gives the reader a clear picture of the landscape. Reading about the 600-day-plus bombardment of the fort will astound you and make you question how they even survived to deal with the severe food shortages, epidemics (from scurvy to smallpox to flu), battle injuries (from amputations to heads being blown off), and the total destruction of their town (from military installations to their church). Small details such as the garrison cat’s death from warfare aren’t excluded. Their realities of death, starvation, and prisoners of war will tug at your heart. Personally, I was shocked to learn about crime and punishment during the siege – punishment was harsh! The vast amount of content of this book is most impressive!
I particularly enjoyed learning about the technology of the day, and it was much more advanced than I had anticipated. From hotshot cannons to mountain tunnels (for aerial bombardments of the enemy) to amazing fleets of hundreds of warships in dramatic sea battle choreography, these soldiers (and their wives!) overcame incredible odds.
In the end, siege survivors do not mourn their experience. Rather, they embrace their survival, and they are civil and welcoming of their former enemies in a new era of peace. It is a lesson we could all use today, isn’t it?
Two things could have made this book a tiny bit better. First, the authors really should have given some credit to Mrs. Miriam Green, wife of Lieutenant-Colonel William Green. Her private notes, journal, and correspondence held the first half of the book together. Without Mrs. Green, a huge part of this historic event would be lost to the ages. Second, there really should have been a glossary of characters. With such a large cast, I found myself at times having to figure out who was who. Despite that flaw, this incredible volume will stay on my bookshelf for a second read in the near future.
I’m grateful I’ve learned about “The Greatest Siege in British History.” I’ve gained a whole new appreciation of history through the Rock of Gibraltar.
I really enjoyed learning about the siege of Gibraltar, and the Adkins do a great job with this book. I never learned about this event in a history class, which is surprising considering it changed the course of American history. America’s War for Independence might have had a different outcome had it not been for this three-year siege.
While I loved the book’s content, I found the prose a bit tiresome. Large segments of original testimony break up the flowing narrative. While this original material lends credibility to the narrative, the reader has to shift gears with each insert.
My criticism of the prose should not prevent someone from reading this book. Packed with remarkable war stories ranging from cannon bombardments to naval warfare, the book keeps the reader engaged. How will this end? Who survives? Not even Hollywood could create a story to compete with this real event.
Complete with maps and photos of historical engravings, the book gives the reader a clear picture of the landscape. Reading about the 600-day-plus bombardment of the fort will astound you and make you question how they even survived to deal with the severe food shortages, epidemics (from scurvy to smallpox to flu), battle injuries (from amputations to heads being blown off), and the total destruction of their town (from military installations to their church). Small details such as the garrison cat’s death from warfare aren’t excluded. Their realities of death, starvation, and prisoners of war will tug at your heart. Personally, I was shocked to learn about crime and punishment during the siege – punishment was harsh! The vast amount of content of this book is most impressive!
I particularly enjoyed learning about the technology of the day, and it was much more advanced than I had anticipated. From hotshot cannons to mountain tunnels (for aerial bombardments of the enemy) to amazing fleets of hundreds of warships in dramatic sea battle choreography, these soldiers (and their wives!) overcame incredible odds.
In the end, siege survivors do not mourn their experience. Rather, they embrace their survival, and they are civil and welcoming of their former enemies in a new era of peace. It is a lesson we could all use today, isn’t it?
Two things could have made this book a tiny bit better. First, the authors really should have given some credit to Mrs. Miriam Green, wife of Lieutenant-Colonel William Green. Her private notes, journal, and correspondence held the first half of the book together. Without Mrs. Green, a huge part of this historic event would be lost to the ages. Second, there really should have been a glossary of characters. With such a large cast, I found myself at times having to figure out who was who. Despite that flaw, this incredible volume will stay on my bookshelf for a second read in the near future.
I’m grateful I’ve learned about “The Greatest Siege in British History.” I’ve gained a whole new appreciation of history through the Rock of Gibraltar.
January 20, 2022
Solid account on the longest siege in modern history. This gives a great background and has a perfect balance of detail and keeping the story moving along. The maps were especially helpful and I could visualize the place having visited a few years ago.
May 10, 2020
This is simply a great read.
The four-year Great Siege is itself a topic ridiculously rife with drama: the tension of not knowing how long the garrison can hold out, the discovery of merchants hoarding food leading to the sack of the town by its own British defenders, a surprise midnight raid against the Spanish lines producing dramatic explosions that destroy the Spanish gun emplacements, a public feud between two of the garrison's commanding officers because an aristocrat resents serving under a general from the middle class, a Royal Engineer rappelling alone down the sheer cliff face over the Mediterranean Sea only to discover he can hear the Spanish army inside the rock attempting to tunnel their way into the fortress, the pride of the Royal Navy freakishly sinking in Portsmouth harbour a few days before it was due to lead the relief fleet on a voyage to Gibraltar, the French inventing brand new, indestructible floating gun platforms with which to pound the desperate British garrison into submission, hurricanes sweeping the blockading fleet from the sea the night before the relief convoy arrives with the supplies the garrison desperately needed. Honestly it's an amazing tale.
Nowadays the Great Siege, as a part of the American Revolutionary War, is utterly anonymous, but at the time of the war it was one of its central theatres and its fate was as important to leaders on both sides of the Atlantic as that of New York or Yorktown, as the Adkinses demonstrate through quotations from Abigail Adams's letters to her husband John. Quotations are plentifully on offer, mostly from the comprehensive diaries that were kept throughout the siege, by British military personnel, their wives, and the men of the besieging Franco-Spanish army. They provide an authenticity and an immediacy to the events being detailed. The authors' own text is lively and engaging, intelligent while remaining accessible to readers unfamiliar with the topic. They've picked a dramatic, under-chronicled topic and really done it justice.
The four-year Great Siege is itself a topic ridiculously rife with drama: the tension of not knowing how long the garrison can hold out, the discovery of merchants hoarding food leading to the sack of the town by its own British defenders, a surprise midnight raid against the Spanish lines producing dramatic explosions that destroy the Spanish gun emplacements, a public feud between two of the garrison's commanding officers because an aristocrat resents serving under a general from the middle class, a Royal Engineer rappelling alone down the sheer cliff face over the Mediterranean Sea only to discover he can hear the Spanish army inside the rock attempting to tunnel their way into the fortress, the pride of the Royal Navy freakishly sinking in Portsmouth harbour a few days before it was due to lead the relief fleet on a voyage to Gibraltar, the French inventing brand new, indestructible floating gun platforms with which to pound the desperate British garrison into submission, hurricanes sweeping the blockading fleet from the sea the night before the relief convoy arrives with the supplies the garrison desperately needed. Honestly it's an amazing tale.
Nowadays the Great Siege, as a part of the American Revolutionary War, is utterly anonymous, but at the time of the war it was one of its central theatres and its fate was as important to leaders on both sides of the Atlantic as that of New York or Yorktown, as the Adkinses demonstrate through quotations from Abigail Adams's letters to her husband John. Quotations are plentifully on offer, mostly from the comprehensive diaries that were kept throughout the siege, by British military personnel, their wives, and the men of the besieging Franco-Spanish army. They provide an authenticity and an immediacy to the events being detailed. The authors' own text is lively and engaging, intelligent while remaining accessible to readers unfamiliar with the topic. They've picked a dramatic, under-chronicled topic and really done it justice.
November 7, 2021
“Everyone was saying that Gibraltar would be forced to capitulate before the end of September; everyone believed it; and if there were any unbelievers, they didn’t dare show it.”
Lasting 1,323 days from June 21, 1779 to February 2, 1783, the siege of fortress Gibraltar by Spanish and French forces marked the longest siege in British history. Punctuated by an epic artillery duel – where opposing forces fired unrelentingly upon one another for years(!) – the battle for The Rock was also marked by a daring British sortie against enemy lines, a bloody duel between the fort a string of floating Franco-Spanish naval batteries, privation, tragedy and heroism.
With a string of similarly good histories to their credit, historians Roy and Lesley Adkins deliver much of what you’d expect from this one. Well-researched, eminently readable, compelling history amply illustrated by first person accounts from soldiers, statesmen and civilians on both sides on the conflict. (The numerous diary reports from women – soldiers’ wives who stayed with their husbands and families as the siege began – are of particular credit as early military histories often offer spartan few accounts from non-combatants, let alone women).
For the American readers, Gibraltar offers crucial context to the American War for Independence which is far too often taught in isolation to the larger global war raging between the European powers. The siege of Gibraltar, the nearby island of Minora, and even the threatened invasion of England itself kept scores of British troops and ships from the American shores and, as the Adkins persuasively argue, it was these conflicts on the far side of the Atlantic that helped allow the American colonists to secure their independence by draining English resources into other theaters. As even contemporary politicians lamented, “the possession of America has been sacrificed to the retention of Gibraltar.”
A very nice book to add to your military history shelf on a pivotal battlefront that is oft overlooked.
January 12, 2026
Stars: 4
I really wanted to read this book after I visited Gibraltar, and it educated me on some very interesting history I knew almost nothing about. I'm not sure if everyone would find the recounting of the siege to be particularly thrilling, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it. There are probably many books that are more riveting than this one, but I think it is worth reading.
- Somehow I never knew that one of the reasons the English failed to retain the American colonies is because they had to dedicate so many resources to defend Gibraltar. It seems most people think they would've have defeated the Americans if they didn't have to also defend Gibraltar. Pretty interesting.
- One sadly ironic story was how a bunch of refugees fled the siege of Gibraltar and sailed to Lisbon. The English were planning on sending those ships back to Gibraltar for a surprise mission, but the refugees refused to get off because they thought the ships were going to go onward to England as planned. The English didn't want to blow the surprise, so the refugees got sent back to Gibraltar.
- It was really cool how the French and Spanish made floating batteries by covering some ships in cork and oakum and then over that they built another hull. This made pretty much every cannonball just bounce off.
- There's not much the authors could do about it since it is history, but the pacing was inconsistent so I sometimes got bogged down. It is not much of a surprise than I read long chapters on food slower than chapters on war.
- The authors did a good job describing extreme violence in detail without it feeling like they're just reveling in the gore like can sometimes happen. The violence this book was intense since the fighting was almost exclusively with artillery, so the violent deaths were mostly men getting blown to pieces.
- The authors were pretty good at describing the naval battles.
- I think the weakest part of the book is when the authors included diary entries and letters when they didn't seem necessary. This was pretty rare though.
I really wanted to read this book after I visited Gibraltar, and it educated me on some very interesting history I knew almost nothing about. I'm not sure if everyone would find the recounting of the siege to be particularly thrilling, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it. There are probably many books that are more riveting than this one, but I think it is worth reading.
- Somehow I never knew that one of the reasons the English failed to retain the American colonies is because they had to dedicate so many resources to defend Gibraltar. It seems most people think they would've have defeated the Americans if they didn't have to also defend Gibraltar. Pretty interesting.
- One sadly ironic story was how a bunch of refugees fled the siege of Gibraltar and sailed to Lisbon. The English were planning on sending those ships back to Gibraltar for a surprise mission, but the refugees refused to get off because they thought the ships were going to go onward to England as planned. The English didn't want to blow the surprise, so the refugees got sent back to Gibraltar.
- It was really cool how the French and Spanish made floating batteries by covering some ships in cork and oakum and then over that they built another hull. This made pretty much every cannonball just bounce off.
- There's not much the authors could do about it since it is history, but the pacing was inconsistent so I sometimes got bogged down. It is not much of a surprise than I read long chapters on food slower than chapters on war.
- The authors did a good job describing extreme violence in detail without it feeling like they're just reveling in the gore like can sometimes happen. The violence this book was intense since the fighting was almost exclusively with artillery, so the violent deaths were mostly men getting blown to pieces.
- The authors were pretty good at describing the naval battles.
- I think the weakest part of the book is when the authors included diary entries and letters when they didn't seem necessary. This was pretty rare though.
March 13, 2020
The arrival of a new book from the Adkins partnership is always good news, their writing being a rare combination of detail and authority which is always delivered in such a way that the reader is easily captivated. However, after the excellent War for all the Oceans, Jack Tar and Eavesdropping on Jane Austen's England, books that centred on my own specific period of interest, I was concerned that an account of Gibraltar's famous siege would not be so absorbing. Yes, it was the longest such conflict in British history and I was vaguely aware of the many events that allowed the garrison and civil population to survive; but the entire campaign ended nearly ten years before the start of the major French wars, so from my point of view this could only be for peripheral curiosity. I was wrong of course: such a tale of human endeavour should never be judged so lightly and, as this is the first time the full story has been told, how good it is that two masters of their craft have done what is an excellent job.
From a full account of every major decision made by Governor Eliott and his staff to fascinating insights into the more minor figures, be they officers and their wives, enlisted men, civilians or servants: all are related here and with a degree of sensitivity that makes the conflict real once more.
Following the pattern of former Adkins' books, the narrative is interspersed with first-hand accounts that give an accurate flavour of the times, while both colour and mono photographs, together with prints and specifically drawn maps and diagrams, clarify every point and offer a true understanding of the situation. A comprehensive bibliography and index also make research easy, although this is not a reference book in the accepted sense: Gibraltar: the Greatest Siege in British History might be an historian's dream, but it also tells a proper story, and a magnificent one, with style.
From a full account of every major decision made by Governor Eliott and his staff to fascinating insights into the more minor figures, be they officers and their wives, enlisted men, civilians or servants: all are related here and with a degree of sensitivity that makes the conflict real once more.
Following the pattern of former Adkins' books, the narrative is interspersed with first-hand accounts that give an accurate flavour of the times, while both colour and mono photographs, together with prints and specifically drawn maps and diagrams, clarify every point and offer a true understanding of the situation. A comprehensive bibliography and index also make research easy, although this is not a reference book in the accepted sense: Gibraltar: the Greatest Siege in British History might be an historian's dream, but it also tells a proper story, and a magnificent one, with style.
March 27, 2022
Pretty workmanlike account about something that I had little knowledge. The impact of the siege of Gibraltar on the outcome of the American Revolution is not clear but it was a certainly significant factor. The fact that the French squadron under Admiral de Grasse was successfully able to blockade the Virginia coast during the Yorktown campaign owes it success in some degree to the constant drain of the Gibraltar siege on British naval resources. French naval successes against the Royal Navy were few and far between during the 'Age of Fighting Sail' but that one stands out as particularly noteworthy. The siege ran for almost three years from 1779-82, during the decisive years of the war in North America and at the end you could almost say the British traded that continent for Gibraltar and not be too far out to lunch. The writing is perhaps a bit flat at times but there is plenty of detail in this account with many first-hand letters and diaries. Almost exclusively from the British point of view. The particulars of the long campaign itself become somewhat numbing however--constant artillery barrages, sniping, tunneling, fire ships, shore bombardment, disease (scurvy, typhus, influenza, smallpox, etc.). Even the first quasi-'ironclads', French designed bombardment ships (a true debacle). There was never a massive infantry assault on the works despite substantial Spanish-French manpower advantage, but probably just as well for the seemingly bewitched besiegers. So the British won of course and held the 'Rock'. But after all that, apparently it was considered in a trade for Puerto Rico in the subsequent treaty negotiations! You have to wonder how would have affected the development of reggaeton?! Lastly, I have 'dinged' many books a star for poor maps but this one gets an extra one for superb cartography! Every question about where was easily seen in the various scale maps. Nice photos of modern Gibraltar along with period drawings and portraits.
November 3, 2021
Fine account of the Siege of Gibraltar.
The book mostly flows along through a variety of first hand accounts, memoirs, military dispatches, etc. Background and context is given when required, however I would have appreciated more analysis from the Authors themselves. Ample maps are provided and brief descriptions of the weaponry used during the era. The novel, especially in the latter half, feels at times choppy and poorly pieced together. While the accounts of the siege from the participants lend the book an authentic feel, more input from the authors would again be appreciated. My largest disappointment was the lack of perspective from the French/Spanish troops besieging the garrison. With the exception of an account from a French officer 3/4 through the book, the story is told almost exclusively through the eyes of the British defenders.
Despite this, the greatest strength of the novel also were the primary accounts that were abundantly supplied in the text. Reading about how the garrison endured disease, inflation, infighting and other misfortunes all so prevalent in war amidst a relentless bombardment, fully immersed me into the text. The horrors of war are present in all eras of conflict, anybody who still has the fictitious notion of the clean 18th century gentlemen's war should read this.
The book mostly flows along through a variety of first hand accounts, memoirs, military dispatches, etc. Background and context is given when required, however I would have appreciated more analysis from the Authors themselves. Ample maps are provided and brief descriptions of the weaponry used during the era. The novel, especially in the latter half, feels at times choppy and poorly pieced together. While the accounts of the siege from the participants lend the book an authentic feel, more input from the authors would again be appreciated. My largest disappointment was the lack of perspective from the French/Spanish troops besieging the garrison. With the exception of an account from a French officer 3/4 through the book, the story is told almost exclusively through the eyes of the British defenders.
Despite this, the greatest strength of the novel also were the primary accounts that were abundantly supplied in the text. Reading about how the garrison endured disease, inflation, infighting and other misfortunes all so prevalent in war amidst a relentless bombardment, fully immersed me into the text. The horrors of war are present in all eras of conflict, anybody who still has the fictitious notion of the clean 18th century gentlemen's war should read this.
June 11, 2022
A good book, providing a descriptive history of the Great Siege of the British fortress of Gibraltar by the Spanish and French from 1779 to 1783. The authors, British historians Roy Adkins and Lesley Adkins, give an account of the strategically critical siege through the voices of those that were there. Using material from letters, journals, and other contemporary accounts the authors piece together a detailed, almost blow-by-blow, account of the siege. The contemporary contributors include British soldiers of all ranks, civilians, both long time residents of Gibraltar and families of the garrison, visitors with their unique perspectives, and various adversaries from the other side of the trenches. The authors ensure these commentaries are explained, but it is the contemporary voices who provide the majority of the history of the book. The result is a very readable explanation of the Great Siege, with an appreciation for its changing nature and mechanics. The parts of the book covering the climatic battles, especially the attack of the floating batteries, are very riveting. A great book for anyone interested in late 18th century siege warfare, especially the work of the garrison to carry out the fighting. Highly recommended for those wanting to better understand the major effect the fighting in Europe had on the course of the American Revolution.
February 14, 2024
Interesting read so long as you can push through the more mundane aspects of siege warfare. This book is clearly well researched and has the benefit of being in a time period in which many first hand accounts are avaliable to reference, the events it describes are a fine example of the endurance and dignity of the people of the age, the idea that general and soldiers alike who have spent 4 years killing, maming and forcing starvation upon each other can sit down once peace is signed and compliment the other on their innolvement is a concept lost in modern warfare.
'The siege that changed the course of British history' is quoted on the cover, though I feel directly it did the complete opposite and in fact enforced the status quo for at least another 200 years at Gibraltar. I feel the reference may be to the loss of the colonies, which this book does mention, and how resupplying Gibraltar may have led to the the surrender of Yorktown, that being said there was nothing else in these events I would describe as 'course changing'.
Good read, push through the repetative bouts of famine and smallpox endemics and you'll be rewarded with a decent recount of the military aspects of the siege
'The siege that changed the course of British history' is quoted on the cover, though I feel directly it did the complete opposite and in fact enforced the status quo for at least another 200 years at Gibraltar. I feel the reference may be to the loss of the colonies, which this book does mention, and how resupplying Gibraltar may have led to the the surrender of Yorktown, that being said there was nothing else in these events I would describe as 'course changing'.
Good read, push through the repetative bouts of famine and smallpox endemics and you'll be rewarded with a decent recount of the military aspects of the siege
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
4 years stuck on a rock. It might be the ultimate case of cabin fever.
The Siege of Gibraltar is one of those famous things people have heard of but have no idea what it is actually about. The Adkins’ take a very well heard of British event and place it perfectly within it’s time period and explain how it has had lasting effects in history. Specifically, U! S! A! U! S! A! I’m not sure all scholars would agree Gibraltar is one of the main reasons the American Revolution went the way it did, but I’m not going to complain!
This book could have easily been a real snoozer. Sieges are notoriously boring as all hell to read about. However, the Adkins’ give you all the details you need to really feel just how much this sucked for the inhabitants of Gibraltar without putting us, the dear reader, to sleep. Every time it seems the narrative might slow down, the authors jump to the next big event.
However, it’s worth pointing out that the Adkins’ do give a great amount of detail. The story of the intermittent blockade runners is especially fun.
The Siege of Gibraltar is one of those famous things people have heard of but have no idea what it is actually about. The Adkins’ take a very well heard of British event and place it perfectly within it’s time period and explain how it has had lasting effects in history. Specifically, U! S! A! U! S! A! I’m not sure all scholars would agree Gibraltar is one of the main reasons the American Revolution went the way it did, but I’m not going to complain!
This book could have easily been a real snoozer. Sieges are notoriously boring as all hell to read about. However, the Adkins’ give you all the details you need to really feel just how much this sucked for the inhabitants of Gibraltar without putting us, the dear reader, to sleep. Every time it seems the narrative might slow down, the authors jump to the next big event.
However, it’s worth pointing out that the Adkins’ do give a great amount of detail. The story of the intermittent blockade runners is especially fun.
September 10, 2025
3.5
A very rich and informative chronological narrative of the 1779-1783 siege of Gibraltar. It’s a period and specific episode of history I know very little about, so it was massively informative and quite interesting - you really don’t know how far reaching the consequences are of things seemingly small which is really hammered home in the book.
The writing style is good with contemporary diary entries often interspersed in the text, which does help immerse you in the cruelty of life under a 4 year siege.
The reason I can’t rate it higher is purely the density of the information - there is a huge amount of time spent on specific numbers, weights, timings, regimental formation etc. Sometimes it felt incredibly dense and became a bit of a slog. I don’t feel it’s a fair critique as it’s use as a source for essays on the subject would be invaluable, but as a layman with little prior knowledge at times I found it harder to stay engaged.
Definitely worth the read if you have an interest in history and don’t mind labouring through some of the less narrative sections
A very rich and informative chronological narrative of the 1779-1783 siege of Gibraltar. It’s a period and specific episode of history I know very little about, so it was massively informative and quite interesting - you really don’t know how far reaching the consequences are of things seemingly small which is really hammered home in the book.
The writing style is good with contemporary diary entries often interspersed in the text, which does help immerse you in the cruelty of life under a 4 year siege.
The reason I can’t rate it higher is purely the density of the information - there is a huge amount of time spent on specific numbers, weights, timings, regimental formation etc. Sometimes it felt incredibly dense and became a bit of a slog. I don’t feel it’s a fair critique as it’s use as a source for essays on the subject would be invaluable, but as a layman with little prior knowledge at times I found it harder to stay engaged.
Definitely worth the read if you have an interest in history and don’t mind labouring through some of the less narrative sections
November 28, 2018
This is the story of the 'great siege' of Gibraltar, waged by France and Spain from 1779 to 1783. The book gives a good background of the events up to the siege, and a fascinating account primarily of the lives of the besieged - the famine, the illnesses and the horrors of combat. Following several characters and using first-hand diaries and accounts, the book gives a thorough and well-written tale of an event that few could find dull.
This book fits firmly into the formula I find most compelling for historical non-fiction: it gives a thorough, in-depth and above all truthful series of events, but focuses primarily on the human elements of the moment: the lives and sufferings of the individuals living in Gibraltar, their thoughts and feelings, and how they overcame every obstacle they faced.
Overall this is a fascinating account of a great moment in history, and a good recommendation for anyone interested in the Napoleonic era.
This book fits firmly into the formula I find most compelling for historical non-fiction: it gives a thorough, in-depth and above all truthful series of events, but focuses primarily on the human elements of the moment: the lives and sufferings of the individuals living in Gibraltar, their thoughts and feelings, and how they overcame every obstacle they faced.
Overall this is a fascinating account of a great moment in history, and a good recommendation for anyone interested in the Napoleonic era.
January 22, 2025
A very enjoyable read shedding light on a pivotal moment of history. The Siege of Gibraltar had many far reaching consequences and played a key role in the loss of the American Colonies.
The writing style is entertaining and the authors make precious use of the protagonists' own voices through their letters, journals and memoirs. The maps, in particular the one showing the disposition of the batteries and other landmarks are extremely helpful in keeping track of the events as they unfolded.
The story is told from the british point of view and, once the french come into play, by the french commander's own words too. My only remark is that we never get the spanish point of view or any original word of theirs. I wonder whether this choice was deliberate (maybe the authors did not understand spanish?) or at least motivated by any possibile reason. Anyway this does not alter my praise for this wonderful book, which I would reccomend to any history enthusiast.
The writing style is entertaining and the authors make precious use of the protagonists' own voices through their letters, journals and memoirs. The maps, in particular the one showing the disposition of the batteries and other landmarks are extremely helpful in keeping track of the events as they unfolded.
The story is told from the british point of view and, once the french come into play, by the french commander's own words too. My only remark is that we never get the spanish point of view or any original word of theirs. I wonder whether this choice was deliberate (maybe the authors did not understand spanish?) or at least motivated by any possibile reason. Anyway this does not alter my praise for this wonderful book, which I would reccomend to any history enthusiast.
June 24, 2018
Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History
A Great Book On Great Historic Event happen in our Planet in Past. If You Really Interested to Know The British History This is A kind of Book Must Be Read under The Subject Line, Through This Book I identify The Struggles and Survivals of Gibraltar peoples.
Through Turning the pages book impress me to evaluate and elaborate The Correct events for Gibraltar.
Book Covers Each And Entire Events Details About Gibraltar formation And Struggle .A Very accurate And Depth research By author presents In This Book. My opinion About This Book Is Read if You Want to read The History or If Your interest Area Is British History.
Book covers detailed Study of the siege of British-held Gibraltar by the Spanish and French from 1779-1783 With In Depth Analysis.
So Must Be A Part of Bookshelf and Go ahead for Reading purpose.
A Great Book On Great Historic Event happen in our Planet in Past. If You Really Interested to Know The British History This is A kind of Book Must Be Read under The Subject Line, Through This Book I identify The Struggles and Survivals of Gibraltar peoples.
Through Turning the pages book impress me to evaluate and elaborate The Correct events for Gibraltar.
Book Covers Each And Entire Events Details About Gibraltar formation And Struggle .A Very accurate And Depth research By author presents In This Book. My opinion About This Book Is Read if You Want to read The History or If Your interest Area Is British History.
Book covers detailed Study of the siege of British-held Gibraltar by the Spanish and French from 1779-1783 With In Depth Analysis.
So Must Be A Part of Bookshelf and Go ahead for Reading purpose.
February 21, 2023
Very different from other history books. It's dramatic but not in a bad way. It deals less with the military history side of things and more how the siege affected Gibraltar throughout its course. The lives of many civilians, soldiers and officers are put on display and how they were shaped by this event in history.
That being said, as a military history nerd I must point out that it does get some things wrong when it comes to that subject. Soldiers did not and were never trained to spit the musket ball down the barrel of the gun, and if someone ever told you to stick a gun barrel in your mouth, you should probably reevaluate your relationship with them.
Other than that, solid book.
That being said, as a military history nerd I must point out that it does get some things wrong when it comes to that subject. Soldiers did not and were never trained to spit the musket ball down the barrel of the gun, and if someone ever told you to stick a gun barrel in your mouth, you should probably reevaluate your relationship with them.
Other than that, solid book.
December 29, 2022
A wonderfully crafted, thoroughly researched retelling of the siege of Gibraltar that lasted from 1779 to 1783. Extensive use of eyewitness accounts, including those from the Spanish and French perspectives during the siege.
I loved finding out how this siege played a wider role in the American War for Independence, and how we should be especially thankful to the British for holding on and doggedly defending Gibraltar for years. This meant resources were kept in place that could not aid their forces in North America, as well as a French fleet being allowed to slip away and enable the trapping of Cornwallis' army at Yorktown.
I loved finding out how this siege played a wider role in the American War for Independence, and how we should be especially thankful to the British for holding on and doggedly defending Gibraltar for years. This meant resources were kept in place that could not aid their forces in North America, as well as a French fleet being allowed to slip away and enable the trapping of Cornwallis' army at Yorktown.
February 20, 2023
An interesting book covering a period of British history that is not widely known nor taught in schools. It is largely based on personal histories that can skew the overall story. Surprisingly, the defence of Gibraltar indirectly affected the outcome of the war in the Americas and the loss of that conflict. This also fed into great navel engagements and an abortive invasion of England. Thus, the whole story was of considerable significance. Its defence indirectly may have ensured the ultimate victories in WW1 and WW2 for control of the Mediterranean.
This is a historical narrative.
This is a historical narrative.
October 8, 2018
Extremely interesting ,well written, worthy of saving as a reference book , Would be especially of interest to the people of Gibraltar and British history enthusiasts.
I found myself in the picture as the street names , buildings , churches ,batteries , cannons of all sizes were all familiar to me , many still to be seen around town, upper rock , inces gallery and botanical gardens .
This book shows why Gibraltar will Forever remain British.
I found myself in the picture as the street names , buildings , churches ,batteries , cannons of all sizes were all familiar to me , many still to be seen around town, upper rock , inces gallery and botanical gardens .
This book shows why Gibraltar will Forever remain British.
February 18, 2022
The first book I have given a 5-star rating - taken from journal accounts of soldiers and civilians who experienced the siege, the narration captures the Dickensian aspect of life that resulted in the siege and the gallantry & ingenuity of the British soldiers. The book drives home the old adage that "you can only keep what you can defend"
October 20, 2018
Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History was most well researched. The siege involved several countries: Britain, Spain, France, and The Netherlands. It had a definite effect on the conduct and outcome of the British effort to prevent the loss of the American colonies.
March 1, 2020
A very interesting and detailed account of a very little known part of the american revolutionary war with lots of interesting details on 18th century warfare - it also sets out the general siginificance of Gibraltar for those less familiar with it.
August 30, 2019
Longer than it needs to be but interesting.
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