Gibraltar Colonial Records

Moorish Colonization (711-1309, 1333-1462)
The Berbers of North Africa, called Moors by the Christians, or Muslims, crossed from North Africa in April 711 and landed in the vicinity of Gibraltar. In July 1309 the Castilians laid siege to Gibraltar. The Moors were expelled and Christians took over the area. The Moors were able to again take Gibraltar in 1333 but Moorish rule over Gibraltar came to an end in August 1462 when it was lost to the Castilians again.

Castilian and Spanish Colonization (1462-1704, 1704-1713)
Shortly after Gibraltar's recapture on 20 August 1462, King Henry IV of Castile declared it Crown property. An attack was launched on 1 August 1704 by a combined force of Dutch and English marines, and on 4 August the Spanish governor agreed to surrender. However, because of the War of the Spanish Succession which was triggered by the death in November 1700 of the childless Charles II of Spain, it wasn't until 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht, that Gibraltar was ceded to Britain.

British Colonization (1713-Present)
When Britain first took over Gibraltar in 1713, the government thought of it as a bargaining counter more than a strategic asset. It was later recognized as a trading port and a naval base and played a key role for the British during World War II. It is still seen as an overseas territory for Britain but is no longer a place of major military importance. Gibraltar is largely self-governed, with its own parliament and government, though the UK maintains responsibility for defense and foreign policy