gibraltar history gibraltar has a long history and the failed spanish attempt to 'reclaim' the territory forms a small part of its modern history anyone who doubts that the gibraltarians reject the claim or any proposal of joint sovereignty should read the section on the referendum as regards claims that terrorists were 'murdered' here the gibraltar constitution defines what murder is and the inquiry held in gibraltar determined that it was lawful killing visitors intending travelling with bombs should note that part of the constitution is still in place