Jul 05 - Treaty of Utrecht Anniversary Events
The Treaty of Utrecht - actually a series of documents - was signed in the Dutch city of Utrecht over a period during 1713. The Treaty helped to end the War of the Spanish Succession, which involved various competing nations including Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Savoy and the Dutch Republic.
Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht, which is of such high importance for Gibraltar and its inhabitants, was signed on the 13th July 1713. This article contains the oft-quoted text:
“The Catholic King does hereby, for himself, his heirs and successors, yield to the Crown of Great Britain the full and entire propriety of the town and castle of Gibraltar, together with the port, fortifications, and forts thereunto belonging; and he gives up the said propriety to be held and enjoyed absolutely with all manner of right for ever, without any exception or impediment whatsoever.”
This passage and several others within Article X have had a direct bearing upon the evolution and status of Gibraltar and its inhabitants; for this reason Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has chosen to commemorate the day of the signing of this event.
Commemorative events will be held on Saturday 13th July between 10am and 2pm at John Mackintosh Square and the Garrison Library.
The main event at John Mackintosh Square, organized by the Gibraltar Museum, will be a replica period printing press, together with costumed re- enactors, who will be using original techniques to print copies of the frontispiece to the Treaty, which will be made available to the public at no charge. The printing press will also be seen in action at the Gibraltar Museum every day during opening hours between the 11th and the 23rd of July. There will also be a stall with information on understanding the context and repercussions of Utrecht.
A period costume fancy dress competition for children is also planned for the event on the 13th. Children aged 14 or younger may participate and costumes need to be themed in relation to the 18th Century, with particular relevance to Gibraltar. Registration will take place between 10am and 11am, and the judging will follow on between 11am and 11:30am, with prizes being announced and awarded shortly afterwards.
As part of the events there will also be a Gibraltar Heritage Trust stall, which will focus on how the countries and borders of Europe have changed since the signing of the Treaty, highlighting the long-term significance of the agreement. There will also be an opportunity to take a pose as a historical personality, such as Queen Anne, who was the reigning British monarch when Gibraltar was captured in 1704 and when the Treaty of Utrecht was signed in 1713. It was also during her reign, in 1707, when the kingdoms of England and Scotland were united, under the Act of Union, into one single sovereign state, Great Britain.
The Gibraltar Re-Enactment Association will also participate in the event. After marching down Main Street from the John Mackintosh Hall dressed in period uniforms, they will stop at the square and carry out a military drill and firearms display, before continuing their march down to Casemates. This display is scheduled for 12:15pm.
Family-oriented activities, which will include bouncing castles, Utrecht-themed balloons, a drawing station and face-painting, will complement the event.
As from Monday 8th July, both copies of the Treaty of Utrecht held at the Garrison Library will be on display between 9am and 3pm through to Friday 19th. On Saturday 13th, linked to the event at John Mackintosh Square, the Library will be opening its doors to the public from 10am to 2pm. Tours of the Library will be organised and refreshments available in the gardens.
