Imperial influences: gibraltarians, cultural bonding and sport

Abstract

In August 2004 the people of Gibraltar will celebrate the tri-centenary of the British capture of the Rock. They will also celebrate their own existence as a separate and unique community, moulded by the British presence. This article provides an account of some of the informal influences which have been at work over three centuries, notably those emanating from sporting and recreational activities which the British brought to Gibraltar. It is argued that these activities have helped to convey a hierarchy of social values to the inhabitants. The ‘cultural bonding’ to which hunting, sailing, rowing, cricket and so on have contributed, has helped give Gibraltarian society its distinctive British characteristics.