The Great Siege of Gibraltar was a decisive event in the long struggle between Britain and France - supported by Spain - for global supremacy in the 18th century. France and Spain took advantage of the American War of Independence to besiege the 'Rock' - Britain's great strategic Mediterranean stronghold. The British garrison under General Augustus Elliott, held out for more than three years - repulsing a full-scale assault by 10,000 men backed by floating gun batteries, in September 1782 before the siege was finally lifted the following February. This contemporary book gives a full description of the siege; the names of officers involved on land and sea; together with descriptions of the artillery ordnance. It is illustrated by a map of the Rock and a picture of Spanish galley, together making up 'A clear description of the importance of this valuable fortress to Great Britain'.