A NEW OVERSEAS TERRITORY
A NEW BRITISH & OTTOMAN STRATEGIC PLOY
JULY 22ND 1878
THE ARRIVAL OF HMS HIMALAYA
Although uneventful, the story of the HMS Himalaya’s arrival at Larnaca on July 22nd, 1878, remains poignant. This marked the beginning of British rule in Cyprus. British rule of the island would last for the best part of 82 years. This came after an agreement was reached between Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire. The Treaty of Berlin, as it became known, stipulated that, although the Ottoman Empire would retain ownership of the island, it would cede full control to the British Empire.
A WAVE OF CHANGE
During this time, Cyprus would see several changes. The British would go on to introduce new structures to the governance that would bring several advantages. British administrators also oversaw the modernisation of the island, and new infrastructure was one of the overall benefits. The British would oversee the construction of several new roads. They also introduced a NEW RAILWAY that served the north and east of the island.
A CALL FOR SELF DETERMINATION
Excessive taxes and a yearning for self-determination, however, eventually led to political upheaval. This all came to a head in 1955, when the majority of Cypriots openly called for independence.
A NEW ERA: On the morning of July 22nd 1878, the HMS Himalaya took on a significant role in the Eastern Mediterranean. Several British dignitaries, along with Sir Garnet Wolseley, arrived in the port of Larnaca. Sir Garnet Wolseley, along with his new British Colonial administration, were tasked with establishing a new functioning government on the island as per the Treaty of Berlin. Their journey on the HMS Himalaya was described as a calm and pleasant voyage. Things did not start well, however, and the new British governor of Cyprus was not impressed with what he found at Larnaca. He later went on to describe it as a filthy pest house of dirt and fever.
A STRATEGIC & MILITARY BASE: The Treaty of Berlin gave the Ottomans British assurances that they would help repel any further Russian expansion in the region. As a result, the British would go on to use Cyprus as a strategic naval and military base. The island also later became instrumental in protecting British interests in the Suez Canal.
A SHANGHAI-CLASS CRUISER: Originally built for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, the HMS Himalaya was a 3,438 gross register ton iron steam crew passenger ship. It became a steam cruiser for the British Royal Navy after they purchased the vessel in 1854.
AN ESSENTIAL A TROOP SHIP: The steam cruiser went on to serve as a troop ship for the British Navy. Serving for four decades, it supported operations during the ‘Second Opium War’ and carried troops all over the British Empire of the time. This included India, South Africa, the Gold Coast, and North America.
A DISASTROUS END: The HMS Himalaya continued its troop duties until its retirement in 1894. After this, it was repurposed as a coal hulk. It was eventually sunk during World War I after an enemy air attack. The British Empire would go on to rule Cyprus until conditional independence was granted in the summer of 1960.
