Main Guard, Georgian guardhouse in John Mackintosh Square, Gibraltar
The Main Guard is a Georgian guardhouse on John Mackintosh Square in Gibraltar featuring a two-story colonnaded loggia with Doric order architecture. Today it houses the Gibraltar Heritage Trust headquarters with offices and a library upstairs, while the ground floor contains a shop and storage areas.
The building was constructed before 1753 and suffered significant damage during the Great Siege of Gibraltar from 1779 to 1783. It was subsequently rebuilt and reinforced, reflecting its role as a crucial defensive structure during this critical period.
The interior once displayed paintings by French artist Henri Regnault from his visits in the 1860s, marking its role as a space for artistic expression. These works reflected the building's importance in the community's cultural life.
The plaza in front of the building is easy to reach and open to the public, with surrounding streets and landmarks providing clear orientation. Visitors can browse the shop and explore the space, which primarily houses office and archive areas.
In the 18th century, the building served as the center of strict night watch enforcement, where guards would bring residents found outside after midnight for inspection. This practice reveals the extent of military control over daily life during that era.
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