Main Pic: British military in Minorca
Inset Pic: Nelson coming ashore at Cala Corb from HMS Foudroyant October 1799
By Graham Capel – The Nelson Society 2023
Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson only visited the island of Minorca, as it was then known, once. He arrived in HMS Foudroyant, a 50 gun two deck Ship of the Line, as battleships were known then, on Sunday 13th October 1799. He had come from Palermo, Sicily where Sir William Hamilton was the British Diplomat with his wife, the beautiful Emma Hamilton.
Nelson had been sent to Minorca to ask General James St Claire Erskine, who was in charge of some 18,000 British soldiers garrisoned on Minorca, for troops to relieve Malta which had been captured by Napoleon Boneparte on his way to conquer Egypt in 1798, and was still occupied by the French.
HMS Foudroyant would have been sighted approaching along the North coast of Minorca from the Naval Watch Tower on top of Monte Toro (not Toro as the Spanish Bull, but Al Tor from Arabic centuries before, when the island was under Moorish control). The Signal Telegraph would have signalled the British Naval Base on the hill behind the Isla Pinto in Mahon Harbour. HMS Foudroyant would have arrived at the harbour entrance, and if the wind was unfavourable, she would have been towed or warped – pulled by ropes from the ship to old cannon buried into the harbour shoreline or cut-out warping rocks in the harbour edge. There are still plenty along the side of the Isla Plana in the harbour which you can see from the harbour tour boats, and also carved-out roping points in front of the Rey Carlos Hotel on the point at Cala Corb.
HMS Foudroyant would have anchored off Fonduco, or Collingwood House, now The Hotel Almirante, on the headland beyond Cala Figuera – well worth another visit for Admiral Collingwood memorabilia. He was Nelson’s No 2 at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and took over command of the British Mediterranean Fleet after Nelson was killed at Trafalgar.
On the hills opposite is San Antoni, the magnificent house on the North side of the harbour. This was, and still is, known as ‘Golden Farm’ for its once golden wheat fields stretching down to the harbour edge. For centuries visiting ships used this as a marker point to drop anchor just in front of the Isla del Rey with its 1711 built British Naval Hospital – also worth a visit.
On Monday 14th October Nelson went ashore to meet General Erskine in his headquarters in Georgetown (Es Castell). This was in the present Es Castell Town Hall on the North side of the impressive British built Parade Ground Square and army barracks. The town was founded by the British in 1771 during their 2nd occupation of the island from 1763 – 1782. It was designed by Scottish Engineer, Col Patrick McKeller. Then the town was known as Georgetown, after our King at the time, and when taken back by the Spanish, it was called Villacarlos, after their king at the time!
Nelson would have been rowed ashore from Foudroyant. He probably landed in Cala Corb – the cove of bodies as they washed up there! He would then have marched up to the Parade Ground Square with an escort from the boat crew all fully armed with Pikes and Muskets Alternatively, he may have been rowed up the harbour to the Military Landing Stage where the Hotel Hamilton now stands. Lady Hamilton never visited Minorca despite rumours which you may hear!
His meeting with General Erskine would have been cordial and respectful, but it was inconclusive. The General would not make a decision. He invited Nelson back on Wednesday 16th after he had held discussions with other senior officers.
On Tuesday 15th October Admiral Nelson stayed on board Foudroyant writing his memoirs for John M’arthur for The Naval Chronicle. These were published and copies are available in historic documents and are dated MAHON October 15 1799. (The Library on the Isla del Rey have a copy).
In the Museo Militar on the opposite side of the Parade Ground Square, with a huge bronze cannon outside, in one of the rooms there is a model made by Menorca historian Jim Maps of Nelson writing his memoirs. There are displays of many military artifacts and pictures including a Nelson letter. It is well worth a visit.
On Wednesday 16th October Nelson returned to the Military Headquarters at Georgetown (Es Castell) for a further meeting with General Erskine. This was also inconclusive. The General would not make a decision as he was awaiting the arrival of Governor Fox who was on his way from England. Nelson returned to HMS Foudroyant.
On Thursday 17th October it is recorded that Nelson visited the British Naval Base on Isla Pinto opposite the walled city of Mahon and above Port Mahon. He would have been rowed down Port Mahon Harbour from Foudroyant, past all the warehouses where the harbour front bars and restaurant now stand, to the Isla Pinto. There he met lieutenant Philip Lamb the British resident Naval agent. There is a good view of the Isla Pinto from the cliff top harbour walk. Note the octagonal design of the island to accommodate ships alongside, and the cannon pointing towards the town!
On Friday 18th October, HMS Foudroyant sailed to return to Palermo. HMS Foudroyant would have turned North (left) as she left Port Mahon Harbour passing the demolished remains of Fort Saint Felipe on the right, but bare cliffs on the left where La Mola now stands. This was not built until the late 1880s Foudroyant would have followed the North coast past Es Grau and the Isla Colom where French prisoners were interred later, and back to Sicily and Lady Hamilton, where he arrived on 22nd October 1799.
Menorca was British 3 times in its history. 1708–1756, 1763–1782, 1798-1802 mostly in the Georgian period of British history. Look for all the Bow and Bay windows around Mahon. Enjoy Menorca.
Isla Pinto, Golden Farm, Hotel Almirante and the Town Hall/Military Headquarters
