La Linea de la Concepción

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The history of La Linea de la Concepción


The origins of La Linea de la Concepcion form part of the military history of Spain, during the period of construction of fortifications around Gibraltar. These fortifications, the Siege Line of Gibraltar, were built during the sieges of Gibraltar by Spain in the 18C at the order of Philip V in order to block the Isthmus, thus cutting off access to the Rock, and a base for attacks. The Line, running from the forts of San Felipe and Santa Barbara on the Eastern, Mediterranean, side to the Western, Atlantic, side were designed and constructed between 1730 and 1735 by the military’s Chief Engineer, the Marquis of Verboom under the command of the Count of Montemar. La Linea’s first population in that period consisted of the camp followers to the military garrison, together with the farmers, fishermen, stonemasons and victual suppliers supporting the campaign.

In 1810 the Wart of independence found England fighting against Napoleon as an ally to Spain – Gibraltar’s engineers demolished Spain’s fortified lines, arguing that if the French invaded the area, they could use the fortifications against Gibraltar. Access across the isthmus remained open from that date.

The end of the war saw the arrival of many more civilians to take up the opportunities for work offered by Gibraltar. All types and classes came, not only of other nationalities but also Spanish from Galicia, Valencia, Cataluña, Santander and from Andalusia itself. From the remains of the fortifications they built themselves a small community of huts and shacks. Most of the new workers spent the day in the British colony and crossed back to their homes at night, forming the nucleus of the population that was to be named La Linea.

By 1870 the community had grown to 330 dwellings, and it argued that, given the size of the population and the ability to be economically self-sufficient, it should be legally independent from the town of San roque.

On 20 July 1870, by agreement of the council of the city of Cadiz, the suburb of La Linea became the independent municipality of La Linea de la Concepcion, and on 3 July 1913 it was granted the title of town by HM Alfonso XIII.

La Linea de la Concepcion was named after the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception as patron saint of the infantry to honour the memory of the military garrisoned for so many years in the community.

La Linea de la Concepcion now is a cosmopolitan community were all may feel welcome and nobody is a stranger.


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