Nelson's Anchorage: A Historical Landmark

Nelson's Anchorage, located at the southwestern end of Gibraltar, is a site steeped in maritime history and dominated by the imposing 100-ton gun. This location commemorates the bay where HMS Victory was brought for repairs following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Legend has it that Admiral Lord Nelson's body was landed here, preserved in a barrel of alcohol, before its journey back to England.The 100-ton gun, also known as the Napier of Magdala Battery, was installed between 1878 and 1884 to protect the entrances to the commercial harbor and the Royal Naval Dockyard in Rosia Bay. Designed by Sir W.C. Armstrong, it was one of four such guns commissioned in response to the Italian Navy acquiring similar weapons. The gun could fire a round every four minutes, though this was later reduced to two and a half minutes, potentially contributing to a barrel split during practice in 1898.While the original gun is said to be buried under the nearby Fortress HQ building, the remaining gun stands as a testament to Victorian artillery and technology. Nelson's Anchorage offers visitors a chance to connect with Gibraltar's naval past and enjoy scenic views of the coastline.