MINORCA COMMEMORATES BRITISH GEORGETOWN

04/06/2013 00:00

STAFF REPORTER THE foundation of Georgetown, now Es Castell, in Minorca in 1771 by British Col. Patrick Mackellar was commemorated yesterday. A commemorative plaque was also unveiled by Es Castell Council, the Menorca Britannia Association and the Honorary British Consul to Minorca, Deborah Hellyer to mark the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the British in 1708 and a marching band of Scottish pipers disembarked in the port and marched through the town.

Es Castell celebrates its Foundation Day at the end of May every year with 18th century themed festivities. Col. Patrick Mackellar originally named the town Georgetown in honour of King George III, however it takes its current name from the large fort nearby, known to the British as St. Philip's Castle where, in 1782 and after a long siege, a combination of Spanish and French forces defeated the British and captured the island.

However, Minorca was recovered by the British once again in 1798, during the French Revolutionary Wars, but the island was finally and permanently ceded to Spain by the Treaty of Amiens in 1802.

A host of events have been held throughout the week and will continue today.