British heritage in Menorca
The 18th century was a very turbulent period for Menorca, with the three imperial European powers of France, Spain and Great Britain occupying the island within the space of 110 years. The British however, who actually occupied the island three times in that period, left a lasting influence, which is still very evident today.
Its neo classical Town Hall and the Georgian sash windows with lace curtains which look down onto the old streets of the centre contrast greatly with the far more Hispanic aristocratic palaces of the former capital of Ciutadella. Indeed there is still a rivalry, today good natured, between the citizens of both towns which stems from the sudden demotion by the British of Ciutadella’s status as Menorca’s first city.
The British also made their mark in the gastronomy of the island with the introduction of new dairy breeding stock. Kane imported the Friesland cow to the island and its increased milk production enabled the extensive use of butter and cheeses in the gastronomy of the island. Today Menorcan chefs use far more butter than olive oil in their cooking unlike their Spanish counterparts, and the island’s cheeses have an international reputation for excellence.

The British legacy can still be found in the Menorquín language with surviving loan words like grevi, (gravy), xumaquer (shoemaker) and the lovely but more obscure boinder for bow window. More curious is the word sarg meaning a bully, which probably comes from loud mouthed British NCOs trying to throw their weight around.
Today perhaps, the close link between Britain and the island is being reinforced by British residents, who number some 4,000 strong – nearly 5 percent of the total population of Menorca. Many have lived on the island for years and have thoroughly integrated, speaking perfect Catalan, becoming town council members, setting up businesses and ensuring that the British influence remains as strong as ever on the island.
Find out more about Menorca history & geography
Responsible Travel would like to thank the Menorca tourist board for their sponsorship of this guide
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