Better late than never: Gibraltar ‘becomes’ city after 180-year delay

Research to update record of cities in UK and overseas territories reveals Gibraltar was awarded status in 1842 but omitted from list

Residents of Gibraltar smarting at missing out on gaining city status in a recent competition have been handed an unexpected surprise: it has been one for the last 180 years.

Gibraltar was among 39 places across the UK and British overseas territories vying to win city status as part of the Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations in a competition last year, up against sites ranging from Alcester to Wrexham, via the Cayman Islands.