Why has Britain held onto a tiny territory on the Spanish mainland since 1704?

History · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: This animated documentary explores the enduring British control of Gibraltar. Despite its small size and proximity to Spain, the territory has remained under British rule for over three centuries, prompting questions about how and why it has never been reclaimed.

Gibraltar has been a British overseas territory since 1704. Although it is physically attached to the Spanish mainland, Spain has been unable to regain control of the area throughout the centuries that have followed.

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