When did the British first capture Gibraltar?

The British first captured Gibraltar in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. This strategic acquisition occurred when a combined force of British and Dutch troops seized the territory from Spain. Gibraltar's location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea made it a significant naval point for controlling maritime traffic and trade routes.

The importance of this capture cannot be overstated, as Gibraltar has served as a critical strategic military base for the British Navy ever since. Over the years, it has been fortified and has played a vital role in various conflicts. The long history and the strategic importance of Gibraltar have made this capture a notable event in British military history.

Other dates mentioned, such as 1603, 1720, and 1750, do not correspond with the initial capture of Gibraltar, as significant British control started with its seizure in 1704, setting the stage for its further importance in naval history.