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San Fernando History
Like Cadiz, the origins of San Fernando are
lost in mythology – but in reality , archaeological
finds reveal Punic, Roman and Arabic settlements and further
reveal that these were not just desirable dwelling places
for the well-to-do citizens of these nations, nut were centres
of a thriving pottery-making industry, as is evidenced by
the large number of kilns which have recently been unearthed.
Nevertheless it is thought that the first urban settlements
grew up around a Caulkers Yard, otherwise referred to as the
one in the Place of the Bridge and a castle, that of San Romualdo,
the ruins of which are presently undergoing restoration.
The accession of the Borbons to the Spanish throne and the
fact that the Island passed into the bands of the Crown, together
with the commercial growth of Cadiz, gave rise to some incipient
military enclaves in the town. With the passage of time, these
grew to become the first Spanish Maritime Department . This
Department was located in San Fernando at that time known
as the Isla de Leon thanks to its strategic position and the
protection afforded by the intricate network of canals, tidelands
and channels.
In 1766 San Fernando named its first mayor and the town became
known as Villa de la Real Isla de Leon.
An event of great significance for the rest of the peninsula
took place in the town, since it was the only part of free
Spain not to be invited by the French. As a consequence, the
General and Extraordinary Parliament assembled here from 24th
September 1810 to 20th February 1811 when it moved to Cadiz.
In recognition of its valiant performance during the Napoleonic
invasion, the Parliament granted the town the title of City
and also gave it a new name: San Fernando, in honour of King
Fernando VII.
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