The capture of Gibraltar and control of Gibraltar strait by British in 1704 prevented French fleets between Mediterranean and Atlantic to combine forces.
Britain has ruled Gibraltar since 1713, following the Treaty of Utrecht, which ended the War of the Spanish Succession. The treaty ceded Gibraltar to Britain in perpetuity, and it has remained a British Overseas Territory ever since. Despite its strategic importance and geographical proximity to Spain, Gibraltar's status has been a point of contention between the two nations.
Though Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, the actual Straits of Gibraltar is not 'owned' by Britain.
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Britain in the sun.
Gibraltar is a self governing Overseas Territory of the UK.
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Yes
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By the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713
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