Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
The dowry of a queen
TANGIER, 1675
Located on the north-western tip of Africa, Tangier has long been a thriving city and major
port. From the late 15th century it was controlled by Portugal and Spain, but came to the Eng-
lish in 1661 when King Charles II married the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza.
Along with Bombay in India, Tangier formed part of her dowry. The town was a strategic pos-
session for far-off England, since it commanded the entry to the Mediterranean, and offered
the potential to be a lynchpin of English naval strategy.
At the point when this plan was made in late 1675, a decade of work had been undertaken
to fortify the town and make it safe for English ships. The outer ring of redoubts and forts to
protect the harbour are shown complete. The large building at the back of the harbour was the
newly-built Customs House, with adjoining weigh-house, warehouses and wharves. This is
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