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Gibraltar, Newly Conquered by the English.
This highly detailed Dutch map of Gibraltar and the Bay of Algeciras was created by the Amsterdam-based cartographer Carel Allard. It presents the strategic region of the Strait of Gibraltar, emphasizing the geographic and naval significance of this passage between Europe and Africa. The map showcases the intricate waterways of the Bay of Gibraltar and surrounding coastlines, including depictions of fortifications, settlements, and key topographical features.
A note on the map reads, "Gibraltar Ao 1704 door de Prins van Hessen Darmstad, voor Kg. Karel III, in Augustus veroverd," which translates to, "Gibraltar in the year 1704, conquered by the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt for King Charles III in August." This inscription refers to the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt, supporting the claim of Charles III to the Spanish throne, led an Anglo-Dutch fleet in seizing the fortress, marking the beginning of Gibraltar’s association with British control—a status later formalized by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.
The map is centered on the Bay of Gibraltar, with the Rock of Gibraltar prominently displayed and surrounded by illustrations of fleets, representing both the commercial and military traffic of the time. The composition is enhanced with a large decorative cartouche at the top, which provides the title and Allard’s credit. A small inset in the lower right corner offers a broader view of the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
On the land surrounding the bay, numerous settlements and natural features are labeled, including "Oud Gibraltar" and "West Grond," while fortified lines and coastal defenses are marked in red. A striking inset at the top left shows a detailed view of Gibraltar’s fortifications, capturing the region’s military importance.
The map would later be published by Covens & Mortier.
Carel (Carol) Allard (Allardt) (1648–1709) was an engraver and publisher based in Amsterdam. Part of a prominent family of Dutch mapmakers, publishers, and print sellers, his father was engraver and publisher Hugo Allard (1627–1684), who left his business to Carel upon his death. Carel published anything in demand, including maps, topography, ethnography, newsprints, and restrikes of old plates of artistic prints, many of which likely came from his father’s stock. In 1706, Carel gave his copperplates to his son Abraham Allard, before going bankrupt.
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