One of Menorca's foremost cultural groups, the Asociación Menorca Britannia actively encourages and promotes a better understanding of the historic and cultural links between the Menorcan people and the British community.
Since 1708 and the arrival on Menorca of the British during the reign of Queen Anne, subsequently to become a British Crown Colony on the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, there has been a unique and deep-rooted British influence (and mutual friendship) which can be clearly seen by today's visitors. Although Great Britain voluntarily handed Menorca back to the Spanish crown at the Treaty of Amiens in 1802 that friendship continues to the present day.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Cuthbert Collingwood's outstanding career is known to most with an interest in naval history and is only overshadowed, perhaps mistakenly, by that of his great friend Admiral Lord Nelson. It was after the unfortunate and premature death of Nelson early during the Battle of Trafalgar that the true courage, humanity and dedication to his country were shown by the great man we are this year commemorating and when his connection with Spain and in particular Menorca began.
Bravely leading the battle from the front until its final conclusion, Collingwood showed his great humanity during the storm that followed by sending out boats to rescue hundreds of potentially drowning Spanish and French seamen from stricken or sinking ships. He arranged the safe landing of these "prisoners" in Cadiz and into the hands of the Governor of Andalucia, the Marques de la Solana. A friendship was cemented with the gift of barrels of wine being sent to the British ships by Solana. Reportedly in return, a gift of a keg of British beer and some Cheddar cheese was given by Collingwood. Many letters between the two men display their mutual respect and friendship thereafter.
Following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 Collingwood expected to retire after a lifetime at sea and spend the rest of his life at his beloved home in Morpeth with his long suffering wife Sarah (neé Blackett) and his two daughters whom he had rarely seen during their marriage. However this was not to be. The Admiralty refused his letter of resignation, being short of senior commanders, and ordered him to Port Mahón, Menorca, to take charge of the British Mediterranean Fleet, Britain and Spain having an agreement to jointly use the port facilities of the deep-water harbour. As always his King and Country again came first.
During the last five years of his life Collingwood dutifully carried out his orders, the British fleet blockading the French south coast ports, especially Toulon, patrolling the Gulf of Leon and assisting the Spanish in defending their mainland coastline and the Balearic Islands.
As his shore base Collingwood took residence in a splendid colonial style house "El Fonduco" overlooking the harbour and above where his flagship the Ville de Paris, was anchored. This is now a charming, privately run hotel retaining all the features and alterations carried out during his time here.
Santa Maria Organ
It was in the year prior to his death and during the Napoleonic War that Collingwood ordered an escort of frigates to a merchant ship bringing to Menorca one of the world's largest organs ever manufactured. This was installed in the parish church of Santa Maria in Mahón. With over 3000 (three thousand) pipes and four keyboards, the organ is played every day during the summer and is just one part of the heritage left by Lord Collingwood on Menorca. This world famous organ is also celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, 2010. We have arranged a special Collingwood Commemorative Concert to be played by Tomé Olives in the Santa Maria Church on Saturday 27th at 2130 hrs.
During his last year Collingwood was ailing and in pain spending many periods bedridden (it is now believed that he was suffering from stomach cancer) but he stoically "soldiered on" until, being obviously very ill and dying, he was carried to his ship to make way to England. Unfortunately he died on board still within Menorcan waters.
The Asociación Menorca Britannia is proud to be arranging the 200th anniversary commemoration in Menorca of the life of Lord Collingwood, completing the full circle, so to speak, from his place of birth to his last honourable post and eventual place of death.
We are pleased to announce that Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope has honoured Menorca Britannia with a visit of the frigate HMS Monmouth (26th to 30th March). The Commanding Officer and his crew are taking an important part in our commemoration.
The Asociación is also honoured to present a specially commissioned sculptured life-size bronze bust of Admiral Lord Collingwood which is to be placed in a dedicated garden in a prominent position on the Isla del Rey overlooking his last home and close to where his flagship the Ille de Paris would have been moored. A lasting memorial for all residents and visitors to Menorca to admire in the future.
We hope that as many residents as possible will attend the various events we have especially arranged for this commemoration.