6 - Graffiti Trail

Another inscription carved into the wall, which is only partially legible, reads ‘Connor 1732’.

This inscription relates to the 7th Infantry Regiment (Royal Fusiliers), which was garrisoned in Gibraltar between 1732 and 1739.

The graffiti on this wall provides a connection to soldiers who served at Gibraltar during the eighteenth century. The 54th (West Norfolk) Regiment of Foot was sent to the Rock in 1755 and remained in the Mediterranean for twelve years. During this period, the regiment initially served as Marines in Sir Edward Hawke’s squadron, whose role included intercepting French privateers.

Their involvement in maritime service may offer an explanation for the numerous ships etched into the wall. While we cannot establish with certainty who created the individual etchings, the regiment's service at sea provides an interesting context for the ship graffiti found here.

On this wall, we can also see graffiti bearing the date “1611 AD”. However, there are several reasons to believe that the inscription may not be as old as the date suggests. From 1462, Gibraltar was under Spanish control, until the British capture of Gibraltar in 1704. If the inscription genuinely dated from 1611, it would therefore have been made during the period of Spanish rule. One detail that raises questions is the use of the abbreviation “AD”. A Spanish inscription from this period might be expected to use “DC”, (Después de Cristo), rather than “AD” (Anno Domini). This has led us to believe that the inscription may be a misleading later addition,

The 50th (West Kent) Regiment of Foot arrived on the Rock in 1784 and remained in Gibraltar for almost a decade, until 1793. Their presence is reflected in the graffiti found around the site, providing evidence of the soldiers who were stationed here during the eighteenth century.

The 100th (Prince of Wales Royal Canadian Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot is referenced twice on this wall. Known by the nickname “The Beavers”, the regiment was present on the Rock from 1859 to 1863.

The 43rd (Monmouthshire Light Infantry) Regiment of Foot was stationed in Gibraltar from 1823 to 1832. During its time on the Rock, the regiment suffered significant losses from outbreaks of yellow fever. To help minimise the spread of the disease, the regiment was relocated from Casemates Barracks and moved into tents on the Neutral Ground.

These inscriptions provide a tangible connection to the soldiers who served in Gibraltar.

Among the inscriptions on this wall is the name “J. Farrer, RA (Royal Artillery)”, dated 1835.

An inscription, bearing the name “William Brown”, can also be followed along the wall, where the writing becomes increasingly difficult to read, but includes the inscription “Royal Irish”. This is referring to the 18th Regiment of Foot (Royal Irish Regiment).

Although the 18th Regiment of Foot was not permanently garrisoned in Gibraltar in 1801, the regiment was actively deployed throughout the Mediterranean theatre and troops were routinely accommodated in the barracks on the Rock when required. Gibraltar played an important strategic and logistical role for the regiment, with its soldiers undertaking garrison duties during their time here.

This wall features a number of etchings depicting ships anchored or sailing offshore, alongside images of fin whales.

Among the imagery, a harpoon can also be seen embedded in one of the whales, providing a possible indication of the whaling activities in the bay.

An image, which seems to be depicting a bright star can also be seen etched on the wall. Given the amount of maritime graffiti on site, this leads us to believe that this may be the North Star, used generally as a navigational aid for mariners at the time.