Ferrol, Spain

The first historical mention of this settlement, then called Burum{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/download/AtlasAntiquusSacerEcclesiaticusEtProfanusCumPrivilegioJoannesClericus/Map55-HispaniaeAntiquaeTabula-Large.jpg|title=Atlas Antiquus, Sacer, Ecclesiaticus Et Profanus - Joannes Clericus - HispaniaeAntiquaeTabula|last=Clericus|first=Joannes|date=1679–1705|access-date=2018-03-18}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/cosmographia00ptol#page/n155/mode/2up|title=Cosmographia|last1=Ptolemy|first1=2nd cent|last2=D'Angelo|first2=Jacopo|last3=Germanus|first3=Nicolaus|last4=Schnitzer|first4=Johann|last5=Hol|first5=Lienhart|date=1482|publisher=Ulm : Lienhart Holle|others=Boston Public Library|pages=155–156}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/cosmographia00ptol#page/n151/mode/2up|title=Cosmographia|last1=Ptolemy|first1=2nd cent|last2=D'Angelo|first2=Jacopo|last3=Germanus|first3=Nicolaus|last4=Schnitzer|first4=Johann|last5=Hol|first5=Lienhart|date=1482|publisher=Ulm : Lienhart Holle|others=Boston Public Library|pages=151–152}} or Arotebrarum Portum,{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/pomponiimelaedeo00mela#page/162/mode/2up/search/artabri|title=Pomponii Melae De orbis situ libri tres, : accuratissime emendati|last1=Mela|first1=Pomponius|last2=Vadianus|first2=Joachim|last3=Camers|first3=Joannes|date=1522|publisher=Basileae, : apud Andream Cratandrum|others=John Carter Brown Library|pages=162–163}} appears in the history of Pomponius Mela, a Roman historian who in the year AD 43 detailing a description of the Portus Magnus Artabrorum,{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/cosmographia00ptol#page/n35/mode/2up|title=Cosmographia|last1=Ptolemy|first1=2nd cent|last2=D'Angelo|first2=Jacopo|last3=Germanus|first3=Nicolaus|last4=Schnitzer|first4=Johann|last5=Hol|first5=Lienhart|date=1482|publisher=Ulm : Lienhart Holle|others=Boston Public Library}}{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/download/0TitlePageWilkinsonsAtlasClassica/HispaniaAntiquaAnteaIberia.jpg|title=Wilkinson's Atlas Classica - HispaniaAntiquaAnteaIberia|last=Wilkinson|first=Robert|date=1823|website=archive.org/|access-date=2018-03-20}} the "great port of the Artabri". The current toponym Ferrol, though, can only be traced back to the Middle Ages; a document from 1087{{Cite news|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/ferrol/2014/11/17/siglo-xi-ferrol-llamaba/0003_201411F17C3991.htm|title=En el siglo XI Ferrol ya se llamaba así|date=2014-11-17|work=La Voz de Galicia|access-date=2018-03-18|language=es-ES}} mentions sancto Iuliano de Ferrol, near the monastery of San Martín de Jubia (12th century, in Romanesque style), where Ferrol is probably the local evolution of the genitive form of the Latin name Ferreolus; Ferrol was probably, in origin, the estate of one Ferreolus.Cf. {{cite book|last=Cabeza Quiles|first=Fernando|title=Toponimia de Galicia|year=2008|publisher=Galaxia|location=Vigo|isbn=978-84-9865-092-1|pages=275}} In 1982 the government of Spain officially adopted the name Ferrol in accordance with its long history and tradition.{{cite book|last=García de Salazar|first=Lope|title=Libro de las Bienandanzas e Fortunas|publisher=Universidad de Valencia|location=Parnaseo-Lemir|pages=1471–1476|url=http://parnaseo.uv.es/Lemir/Textos/bienandanzas/libros/Libro25.htm}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/A11007303|title=Primera continuacion de los obsequios y festejos, que se hizieron à ... Doña Maria Ana, en su real jornada desde el puerto del Ferrol à esta Catolica Corte ... : publicase à 9 de Mayo 1690|date=1690|publisher=[S.l.] : Sebastian de Armendariz|pages=[https://archive.org/details/A11007303/page/n6 1]–12}}

Another theory about the etymology of the name Ferrol posits some relation to the Latin word ferro (iron), as the area has long been rich in metals, especially iron and tin, but also gold and silver. It is possible, since the bay of Ferrol was such a well guarded port, that the old fishing village was named after the metal by traders{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/rervmanglicarvms00will|title=Rervm anglicarvm scriptores post Bedam praecipvi|author1=William of Malmesbury|author2=Henry of Huntingdon|author3=Roger of Hoveden|author4=Ethelwerd|author5=Ingulf|last6=Savile|first6=Henry|last7=Bishop|first7=George|last8=Newbery|first8=Ralph|last9=Barker|first9=Robert|date=1596|publisher=Londoni: excudebant G. Bishop, R. Nyberie, & R. Barker|pages=[https://archive.org/details/rervmanglicarvms00will/page/172 172]}} reaching the enclave.

Alternatively, the name may derive from the legend of a Breton saint, Ferreol, who supposedly arrived there on a ship amid a chorus of seven sirens.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} Another tradition says that Ferrol comes from farol, alluding to the heraldic figure that appears on the coat of arms of the city.{{cite journal|title=General Guide to the City |url=http://www.ferrol.es/documentos/guia_xeral_es.pdf |access-date=1 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927123943/http://www.ferrol.es/documentos/guia_xeral_es.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2010 |df=dmy }} However, according to experts, the coat of arms of Ferrol dates back only to the eighteenth century.{{cite book|last=de Aracil|first=Carlos|title=El Escudo de Armas de Ferrol de la Ilustración|publisher=Ferrol Análisis|location=Ferrol, Spain}}

File:Ayuntamiento Ferrol.JPG

The existence of prehistoric human settlements in the area that would later become Ferrol is suggested by the abundance of burial chambers and megalithic monuments, as well as petroglyphs and other archaeological findings.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530|title=The Geography Of Strabo Vol.2|last=Jones|first=Horace Leonard|date=1949|pages=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530/page/n49 7]–8}} The Phoenicians{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530|title=The Geography Of Strabo Vol.2|last=Jones|first=Horace Leonard|date=1949|pages=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530/page/n169 157]–159}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/americabeinglate00mont#page/18/mode/2up|title=America: being the latest, and most accurate description of the Nevv VVorld; : containing the original of the inhabitants, and the remarkable voyages thither. The conquest of the vast empires of Mexico and Peru, and other large provinces and territories, with the several European plantations in those parts. Also their cities, fortresses, towns, temples, mountains, and rivers. Their habits, customs, manners, and religions. Their plants, beasts, birds, and serpents. With an appendix, containing, besides several other considerable additions, a brief survey of what hath been discover'd of the unknown South-Land and the Arctick region.|last1=Montanus|first1=Arnoldus|last2=Ogilby|first2=John|last3=Middleton|first3=John|last4=Underwood|first4=John|date=1671|pages=18–19}} established in this area several dried and salted cod stations and their presence, together with that of the Ancient Greeks, is well documented by such classical historians as Herodotus, Strabo, Pomponius Mela, and Ptolemy.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/cosmographia00ptol|title=Cosmographia|last1=Ptolemy|first1=2nd cent|last2=D'Angelo|first2=Jacopo|last3=Germanus|first3=Nicolaus|last4=Schnitzer|first4=Johann|last5=Hol|first5=Lienhart|date=1482|publisher=Ulm: Lienhart Holle|others=Boston Public Library}} In Roman times, in the 1st century BC, a fishing port existed which also traded in metals (like silver,{{Cite journal|last=Young|first=Otis E.|date=1965|title=The Spanish Tradition in Gold and Silver Mining|jstor=40167137|journal=Arizona and the West|volume=7|issue=4|pages=299–314}} gold,{{Cite journal|date=2000-11-01|title=The gold belts of western Asturias and Galicia (NW Spain)|journal=Journal of Geochemical Exploration|language=en|volume=71|issue=2|pages=89–101|doi=10.1016/S0375-6742(00)00147-3|issn=0375-6742|last1=Spiering|first1=E.D|last2=Pevida|first2=L.R|last3=Maldonado|first3=C.|last4=González|first4=S.|last5=Garcia|first5=J.|last6=Varela|first6=A.|last7=Arias|first7=D.|last8=Martı́n-Izard|first8=A.}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20161104-in-spain-a-beach-made-of-gold|title=In Spain, a beach made of gold?|last=Bitong|first=Anna|language=en|access-date=2018-03-09}} tin{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530|title=The Geography Of Strabo Vol.2|last=Jones|first=Horace Leonard|date=1949}} and iron{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530|title=The Geography Of Strabo Vol.2|last=Jones|first=Horace Leonard|date=1949|pages=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530/page/n57 45]–46}}), and wild horses. Near Ferrol{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530|title=The Geography Of Strabo Vol.2|last=Jones|first=Horace Leonard|date=1949|pages=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530/page/n81 69]}} there is a place called Naraío {{Cite web|url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/210613720051474306/|title=ESPANA: GALICIA|website=Pinterest|language=en|access-date=2018-03-10}} (famous for its medieval castle), whose name bears a phonetic resemblance Strabo's Nerium, modern day Cape Prior. In ancient Hispania, these parts of the Iberia were dominated by the Artabri{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/pomponiimelaedeo00mela|title=Pomponii Melae De orbis situ libri tres, : accuratissime emendati|last1=Mela|first1=Pomponius|last2=Vadianus|first2=Joachim|last3=Camers|first3=Joannes|date=1522|publisher=Basileae, : apud Andream Cratandrum|others=John Carter Brown Library|pages=[https://archive.org/details/pomponiimelaedeo00mela/page/162 162]–163}} (or Arrotrebae{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.42530/2015.42530.The-Geography-Of-Strabo--Vol2#page/n83/mode/2up|title=The Geography Of Strabo Vol.2|last=Jones|first=Horace Leonard|date=1949|pages=71}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/johconradarnoldi00arno#page/172/mode/2up|title=Joh. Conrad Arnoldi, lic. Theolog. & Philosoph. Prof. publ. ordin. Gründliche und nach denen letztern Europäischen Frieden-Schlüssen neu-eingerichtete Historisch- und politische Geographie: : in welcher, nebst einer nöthigen Vorbereitung, der heutige Zustand derer Staaten, vornemlich in Europa, nach ihrer Natur, Eintheilung, Kirch- und Policey-Wesen deutlich vorgestellet, mit kurtzen Anmerckungen aus der alten und neuen Historie, auch anderer Merckwürdigkeiten erläutert, und also der politen Jugend Fleiss, in civiler Conversation und Reisen, erleichtert wird. Mit einem nützlichen und zulänglichen Register|last1=Arnoldi|first1=Joh Conrad |date=1718|publisher=Giessen: in Verlag Johann Müllers, Hoch-Fürstl. Hessen-Darmstättischen Regierungs-Buchdr|others=John Carter Brown Library|pages=172}}), who gave their name to the Portus Magnus Artabrorum ("Great Port of the Artabri"), formed not only by the bay of Ferrol but the three rias of Ferrol, Betanzos and A Coruña. Ferrol was then, as it is today, a first class natural harbour in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic, and very well guarded. Historically, it has often been described as the best natural port in Europe.{{Cite news|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86072143/1898-07-21/ed-1/seq-15/|title=Burlington weekly free press. (Burlington, Vt.) 1866–1928, July 21, 1898, Image 15|newspaper=Burlington Weekly Free Press|date=1898-07-21|access-date=2018-03-10|issn=2166-2037}}

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/rervmanglicarvms00will|title=Rervm anglicarvm scriptores post Bedam praecipvi|author=William of Malmesbury|author2=Henry of Huntingdon|author3=Roger of Hoveden|author4=Ethelwerd|author5=Ingulf|last6=Savile|first6=Henry|last7=Bishop|first7=George|last8=Newbery|first8=Ralph|last9=Barker|first9=Robert|date=1596|publisher=Londoni : excudebant G. Bishop, R. Nyberie, & R. Barker|others=Harold B. Lee Library|pages=[https://archive.org/details/rervmanglicarvms00will/page/174 174]–178}} the whole Iberian Peninsula, including Ferrol, was raided by the Vandals and incorporated in 411 to the Suebic Kingdom of Galicia;{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft|title=Galicia, the Switzerland of Spain|last=Meakin|first=Annette M. B.|date=1909|publisher=London, Methuen|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft/page/15 15]}} their kingdom was incorporated in 584 by Leovigild to the Visigothic Kingdom.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090921114112/http://www.geocities.com/mindoniensisferrolensisprovince/BritoniaProvince.html?1200480362031 (Britoniensis ecclesiae episcopus)] Mailoc or Maeloc was the bishop of Britonia who participated in the Second Council of Braga (572)

Following the collapse of the Suebic-Visigothic state, these Christian parts of Iberia saw very little change in comparison with other parts of the peninsula, becoming part of the Kingdom of Asturias as early as 750AD.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/AtlasOfMedievalHistoryColinMcEvedyPenguinBooks1961_201712|title=Atlas Of Medieval History Colin Mc Evedy (Penguin Books) [ 1961]|via=archive.org|page=[https://archive.org/details/AtlasOfMedievalHistoryColinMcEvedyPenguinBooks1961_201712/page/n47 46]|access-date=2018-03-13}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/storyofsantiagod00galluoft|title=The story of Santiago de Compostela;|last=Gallichan|first=Catherine Gasquoine|date=1912|publisher=London, Dent|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/storyofsantiagod00galluoft/page/36 36]–37}} Over time, the Kingdom of Asturias{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft|title=Galicia, the Switzerland of Spain|last=Meakin|first=Annette M. B.|date=1909|publisher=London, Methuen|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft/page/301 301]}} would split into further Christian kingdoms, causing the area to change hands several times between Galicia, Leon, and finally Castile.File:Castelo de San Filipe, Brión, Ferrol, Galiza.jpg

Ferrol served as a strategic safe port{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/englandhundredye00omanuoft|title=England and the hundred years' war (1327–1485)|last=Oman|first=Charles William Chadwick|date=1898|publisher=London : Blackie|others=Pratt - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/englandhundredye00omanuoft/page/66 66]–67}} during the Hundred Years' War{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/englandhundredye00omanuoft|title=England and the hundred years' war (1327-1485)|last=Oman|first=Charles William Chadwick|date=1898|publisher=London : Blackie|others=Pratt - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/englandhundredye00omanuoft/page/62 62]–65}} and sided with the House of Trastamara during the Castilian Civil War. As a personal reward to Fernan Perez de Andrade, in 1371, Henry II{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/englandhundredye00omanuoft|title=England and the hundred years' war (1327–1485)|last=Oman|first=Charles William Chadwick|date=1898|publisher=London : Blackie|others=Pratt - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/englandhundredye00omanuoft/page/160 160]–161}} gave the town to the powerful Andrade family.[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/ferrolnaval1750 Ferrol Naval 1750] Ferrol Historia - Interesting document showing the royals of Spain from 1492 till 1805: Spanish Empire

In 1568"History of Ferrol" El Ferrolano Newspaper, 10 February 1846, no.1, Front Cover: Ferrol{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/A215135144MC|title=Geographia Blauiana [Mapas]|last=Blaeu|first=Joan|date=1659|publisher=Amsterdam : Juan Blaeu|others=Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla|pages=524}} a fire reduced the old medieval town to rubble;{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft|title=Galicia, the Switzerland of Spain|last=Meakin|first=Annette M. B.|date=1909|publisher=London, Methuen|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=[https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft/page/315 315]}} in the same period some parts of the existing fortifications at the entrance of the estuary were built.[https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5138/ World Heritage List: El Ferrol (Submission Papers)] UNESCO, 27 April 2007 The town was considered more important as a royal arsenal at this time than as a harbour.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/A11007303|title=Primera continuacion de los obsequios y festejos, que se hizieron à ... Doña Maria Ana, en su real jornada desde el puerto del Ferrol à esta Catolica Corte ... : publicase à 9 de Mayo 1690|publisher=[S.l.] : Sebastian de Armendariz|year=1690|pages=[https://archive.org/details/A11007303/page/n6 1]–12}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/A11204548|title=Noticias ordinarias del Norte, Italia, Africa, y España : con la noticia plausible de todas, del dichosissimo arribo de la reyna nuestra señora al Puerto de Ferrol en Galicia à 26 del passado : publicadas à 4 de abril 1690|publisher=[En Madrid] : por Sebastian de Armendariz, librero|others=Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla|year=1690|pages=109–110}}

With the arrival of the Bourbons in the 18th century, Ferrol became a leading naval centre.[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/elferrol1780 The City and Naval Station of El Ferrol during the Reign of Charles III of Spain] by the Dutch pilot Hugh Debbieg (1731–1810) Ferrol was made capital of the Maritime Department of the North, formed under Ferdinand VI and Charles III for the defence of the Spanish Colonial Empire in America.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/vierzehenderthei00theo|title=Vierzehender Theil Americanischer Historien, : inhaltend, erstlich, warhafftige Beschreibung etlicher West-Indianischer Landen in dem Theil Americae gegen Mitternacht hinder Nova Hispania gelegen, alss New Mexico, Cibola, Cinaloa, Quiuira, vnd anderer, deren bissher in vnserm West-Indianischen Werck Theils gar nicht, theils sehr wenig gedacht worden, sampt Denckwürdigen Geschichten vnd Wunderwercken der Natur in Jucatan, Guatimala, Fonduras, vnd Panama, wie auch vom Zustandt etlicher Englischen Colonien, wie sich die in lauffendem 1630. Jahr befinden. Zum andern, eine Schiffart der Holländer vnder dem Admiral Jacob Eremiten vmb die gantze Welt, vnd was ihm auff dieser sehr langen vnd gefährlichen Reyse begegnet, alles in Form eines Jurnals oder Tagregisters fleissig verzeichnet. Zum dritten, historische Erzehlung, welcher gestalt die sehr reiche Spanische Silberflotta durch Peter Hein, General der Holländischen Armada in dem Hafen Matanza der Insul Cuba im September dess Jahrs 1628. ertapt vnd heim gebracht worden. Zum Vierdten, was massen die Statt Olinda de Fernambucco in Brasilien, sampt dem Meerport vnd dabey Ligenden Castellan, durch die Holländer vnder dem General Heinrich Cornelis Lunck erobert worden, im Monat Februario dess Jahrs 1630. Alles mit zugehörigen Tafeln vnd Kupfferstücken gezieret, verlegt vnd an Tag gegeben|first1=Theodor|last1=de Bry |last2=de Bry|first2=Johann Theodor|last3=de Bry|first3=Johann Israel |last4=Merian|first4=Matthaeus|last5=de Espejo|first5=Antonio|last6=Heyn|first6=Piet|last7=l'Hermite|first7=Jacques l'|last8=Smith|first8=John|publisher=Gedruckt zu Hanaw: Bey David Aubri|year=1630|pages=[https://archive.org/details/vierzehenderthei00theo/page/20 20]–21}} Rapid improvements followed, notably under the leadership of the Marquis of Ensenada, and the position of Ferrol was made almost unassailable from the sea, the difficulties of disembarking troops on its precipitous coast being strengthened by a renewed line of fortresses and newly built castles, including that of San Carlos.

File:Ferrol-Iglesia de San Francisco 02.jpg

File:Concatedral Ferrol 2023 - West Façade.jpg{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/A084043MC|title=España sagrada, theatro geographico-historico de la Iglesia de España : origen... de todas sus provincias, antiguedad, traslaciones y estado antiguo y presente de sus sillas en todos los dominios de España y Portugal ... . T. I, Contiene una clave geographica, y geographia eclesiastica de los Patriarcados [Material Cartográfico]|last=Flórez|first=Enrique|date=1747|publisher=En Madrid : por Don Miguel Francisco Rodriguez|others=Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla|pages=[https://archive.org/details/A084043MC/page/n14 12]}}]]

The Royal Dockyards of A Graña and Ferrol, built between 1726 and 1783,[https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/181738/Ferrol "Ferrol"] Britannica.com, 2009{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/A062039040#page/n19/mode/2up|title=Atlas marítimo de España [Material cartográfico]|last1=Tofiño de San Miguel|first1=Vicente|last2=Mengs|first2=Anton Raphael|last3=Salvador Carmona|first3=Manuel|last4=Ballester|first4=Joaquín|last5=Vázquez|first5=Bartolomé|last6=Valdés|first6=Antonio|last7=Asensio|first7=Josef|date=1789|publisher=Madrid: [s.n.]|others=Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla|pages=21}} produced ships protected with copper sheets from the rolling mills of Xubia. In 1772, The Spanish Royal Academy of Naval Engineers of Ferrol, the first such academy in Spain, was created. For the most laborious work, six hundred galley slaves were employed in the harbour.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/adictionarygeog01mcugoog#page/n355/mode/2up/search/ferrol|title=A dictionary, geographical, statistical, and historical : of the various countries, places, and principal natural objects in the world|last1=McCulloch|first1=J. R. |last2=Martin|first2=Frederick|date=1866|location=London|publisher=Longmans, Green|pages=338}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/edinburghencyclo09edinuoft#page/308/mode/2up|title=Edinburgh encyclopaedia|date=1830|publisher=Edinburgh, Blackwood|others=Gerstein - University of Toronto|pages=309}}

Ferrol is famous{{Cite web|url=https://ageofsail.wordpress.com/tag/horatio-hornblower/page/2/|title=Horatio Hornblower {{!}} Age Of Sail {{!}} Page 2|website=ageofsail.wordpress.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-24}} in the history of the struggle between the Spanish Empire and the British for being one of the only enclaves in the world, together with Cartagena de Indias, that always resisted occupation successfully; Ferrol was virtually impossible to blockade in the age of sail, as strong westerly winds would take any blockading force away along the treacherous north coast of Spain towards the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), where they had no safe haven. The geography of Ferrol meant that an entire Spanish fleet could slip out on a single tide. By the time the British were able to resume the blockade, the Spanish would be safely away and out to sea. Despite these advantages, a decline set in during the reign of Charles IV, and in 1800, during the Ferrol Expedition, after the defences had been reduced, a British fleet of 109 vessels landed troops on the beach of Doniños to take the Castle of San Felipe. Although only equipped with meagre artillery, the castle's small defence force under the command Count Donadio, together with a sizable number of volunteer citizens of Ferrol, successfully resisted the attack and the fleet withdrew. The alliance with the United Kingdom during the Peninsular War of 1808–1814 failed to prevent the deterioration in the town's fortunes. The arsenals and fortresses were abandoned and they were easily occupied by the French in 1809.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.109858|title=History Of The War In The Peninsula|last=Napier|first=W. F. P.|date=1814|pages=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.109858/page/n176 76]}}

When the war with Napoleonic France was over, many of the South American colonies{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/newuniversalgaze00mors#page/730/mode/2up/search/spain|title=A new universal gazetteer, or Geographical dictionary : containing a description of the various countries, provinces, cities, towns, seas, lakes, rivers, mountains, capes, &c. in the known world. With an appendix ... accompanied with an atlas|last1=Morse|first1=Jedidiah|last2=Morse|first2=Richard C.|last3=Converse|first3=Sherman|date=1823|publisher=New-Haven :Printed and published by S. Converse|others=Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Library|pages=730–731}} chose to pursue independence from Spain and the shipyards of Ferrol went into a serious decline, losing most of their civilian, clergy and military population. By 1824, Ferrol had a population of just 10,000 civilians and about 6,000 military personnel (stationed locally, if not permanently, at least during most of the year). Its mathematical school for marine artillerists, the pilot school, and the Spanish Royal Academy of Naval Engineers{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/newuniversalgaze00mors#page/256/mode/2up/search/ferrol|title=A new universal gazetteer, or Geographical dictionary : containing a description of the various countries, provinces, cities, towns, seas, lakes, rivers, mountains, capes, &c. in the known world. With an appendix ... accompanied with an atlas|last1=Morse|first1=Jedidiah|last2=Morse|first2=Richard C.|last3=Converse|first3=Sherman|date=1823|publisher=New-Haven: Printed and published by S. Converse|others=Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Library|pages=256}} were almost completely empty, in stark contrast to the glorious years of abundance{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/viewofspaincompr02labouoft#page/440/mode/2up|title=A view of Spain; comprising a descriptive itinerary, of each province, and a general statistical account of the country|last=Laborde|first=Alexandre Louis Joseph|date=1809|publisher=London Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=440}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/viewofspaincompr04labouoft#page/486/mode/2up|title=A view of Spain; comprising a descriptive itinerary, of each province, and a general statistical account of the country|last=Laborde|first=Alexandre Louis Joseph|date=1809|publisher=London Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=487}} before the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/historyofspainpo00buskuoft#page/258/mode/2up/search/ferrol|title=The history of Spain and Portugal, from B.C. 1000 to A.D. 1814|last=Busk|first=M. M.|date=1833|publisher=London, Baldwin|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|pages=258}}

File:Ferrol City.jpg

Ferrol built only two ships of the line between 1794 and 1845,The 80-gun ships Neptuno (1795) and Argonauta (1796), see Enrique Garcia-Torralba Pérez, Navios de la Real Armada 1700-1860.{{Cite journal|date=6 February 1858|title=The Armies of Europe - Spain as a War-making Power|journal=The New York Times}} although nine frigates and a considerable number of smaller warships were also constructed in this period. After half a century of decreased activity, it lost its title of capital under Ferdinand VII. However, there was a massive renovation during the leadership of Cardinal Alberoni and in just a few years fourteen great line-of-battle-ships were launched. New activities sprang up and Ferrol was employing 2,000 workmen{{Cite journal|date=6 February 1858|title=The Armies of Europe - Spain as a War- making Power|journal=The New York Times}} in its foundries, now in full operation. A School of Naval Engineers was established where 40 students were taught the scientific principles of their profession by competent instructors educated in England and France. So successful in bringing the world's most advanced technologies was the administration of the Marquis de Molina,[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9804E3DB113CEF34BC4E53DFB4668383649FDE "The Armies of Europe, Spain as a War Making Power"] New York Times, 6 February 1858, Page 4 the Spanish Minister for Naval affairs, that by 1858 the Royal Dockyards of Ferrol were launching Spain's first steam propelled ship, which was also its first iron-hulled sailing ship.

The second half of the 19th century brought to the Royal Dockyards of Ferrol not only employment, but also concomitant social and political tensions,{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3743897/3743902/113/ferrol|title=Labour Riot in Spain|date=1899-09-25|work=South Wales Daily News|via=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/Citizenship_201601|title=Citizenship|last=Lay |first=E.J.S.|year=1933|pages=[https://archive.org/details/Citizenship_201601/page/n131 125]–133}} which culminated in the failed republican uprising of 1872.[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=990DE7DE173BE53BBC4E52DFB6678389669FDE "Entrance into Ferrol of the Government Troops"] New York Times, 16 October 1872, Page 1{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4223600/4223602/31/ferrol|title=Strike in Spain |date=1910-10-01|work=Evening Express|via=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}} Steamers between Ferrol and the port of Havana in Spanish Cuba were in frequent operation at the time, such that shipyard workers who got into trouble with the local authorities in Ferrol often fled to the Spanish Main.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1872/12/05/archives/cuba-ferrol-insurgents-arrived-a-coolie-ship-the-spanish-army.html|title=CUBA.; Ferrol Insurgents Arrived A Coolie Ship The Spanish Army Reinforced by Blood-Hounds.|date=1872-12-05|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-03-24|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1872/10/14/archives/telegrams-the-revolt-in-ferrol-spain-virtually-suppressed.html|title=TELEGRAMS.; The Revolt in Ferrol, Spain, Virtually Suppressed. Disheartened and Hemmed In, the Rebels Begin to Desert. Probable Murder of a Wealthy Bank Director in Boston. Partial Destruction of Iron-Works in Johnstown, Penn. Conversion of an Indian Chief to Christianity. SPAIN. The Ferrol Insurrection Almost Strangled Troops Arriving The Mass of the Population Taking No Part in the Movement. Discussion on Cuba and Porto Rico-Reforms in the Cortes.|date=1872-10-14|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-03-24|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

File:Casa Pereira II.jpg building in Ferrol, designed by Rodolfo Ucha]]

From the days of the Armada to the present, the Bay of Ferrol has attracted numerous ships seeking repairs or refuge after meeting with disaster{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3709531/3709537/43/ferrol|title=Welsh Newspapers Online THE LOSS OF THE|website=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}}{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/A11204008|title=Aclamacion panegyrica y gratulatoria al misterio incomprehensible de la Encarnacion del Verbo, en la Nave Real de Maria Santissima y al Arribo felicissimo de la Reyna nuestra Señora Doña Mariana de Neoburg, el mismo dia de la Encarnacion, en el Puerto dichosissimo de el Ferrol... : predicado en el Real Convento de las Señoras Descalças de esta Corte, el dia tres de Abril de este presente año|last1=del Castillo Sotomayor|first1=Juan |last2=García|first2=Lorenzo|date=1690|location=Sevilla|pages=[https://archive.org/details/A11204008/page/n12 12]}} or rough waters trying to cross the Bay of Biscay in bad weather. Such was the case of Cleopatra, carrying one of the two Cleopatra Needles,{{Cite news|url=http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Cleopatras-Needle/|title=Cleopatras Needle, The Embankment, London|work=Historic UK|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439943/3439945/22/ferrol|title=Welsh Newspapers Online CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE DETAINED THROUGH A QUESTION OF SALVAGE.{{!}}1877-11-02{{!}}Monmouthshire Merlin - Welsh Newspapers Online|website=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}} which stands today on the Thames Embankment in London, UK. It arrived in Ferrol on 19 October 1877 after almost sinking off the west coast of France five days earlier. A plaque commemorating the event and those who died can be seen at the base of the Needle in London.

Ten years after the Spanish–American War of 1898,[https://www.nytimes.com/1898/06/11/archives/great-activity-at-ferrol.html "Great Activity at Ferrol"] New York Times, 11 June 1898, Page 1[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/elferrol1890s/ The launch of "Cardenal Cisneros" the first "Pre-dreadnought battleship" built in Ferrol, Spain (1897)] "The Ferrol and the Galician-rias commercial-role with North, South and Central America":[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Correo_Gallego_1897.JPG El Correo Gallego (Spanish Newspaper) 19 March 1897] by Jose R. de Trujillo, Spanish Royal Navy Commander {{in lang|es}}{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3275666/3275668/21/john%20hurn%20swansea|title=Welsh Newspapers Online THE WAR.'{{!}}1898-04-30{{!}}Evening Express - Welsh Newspapers Online|website=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-07}} in which Spain lost Cuba{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/espaaencubaepi00peyd|title=España en Cuba : episodio lírico-dramática en un acto, original y en verso|last1=Peydró|first1=Vicente|last2=Caballero y Martínez|first2=Ricardo|publisher=Impr. de R. Pita|location=Ferrol|year=1896}} and the Philippines, the Antonio Maura government, in an attempt to restore the Spanish Navy and Spanish shipbuilding industry, hired the Spanish Society for Naval Construction,{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft|title=Galicia, the Switzerland of Spain|last=Meakin|first=Annette M. B.|publisher=London, Methuen|others=Robarts - University of Toronto|year=1909|location=london|pages=[https://archive.org/details/galiciaswitzerla00meakuoft/page/22 22]}} whose major investors were a British-Spanish conglomerate taking contracts In the following proportions: 40% Vickers Sons and Maxim,{{Cite web|url=https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Vickers,_Sons_and_Maxim|title=Vickers, Sons and Maxim|website=www.gracesguide.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}} 30% Marquis of Comillas of the Spanish Transatlantic Company, and 30% Biscay Furnace Company.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kcHWuxTaeysC&pg=PA97|title=Bilbao's Modern Business Elite|last=Glas|first=Eduardo Jorge|date=1997|publisher=University of Nevada Press|isbn=978-0-87417-269-0|page=97}} All the previously state-owned shipbuilding yards, workshops, foundries and dry docks at Ferrol were handed over to the technical expertise of some of the finest British shipbuilders; John Brown, Vickers{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4190047/4190049/22/ferrol|title=Welsh Newspapers Online I BRITAIN AND SPAIN'S NAVY.I{{!}}1908-05-25{{!}}Evening Express - Welsh Newspapers Online|website=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}} and Armstrong[https://web.archive.org/web/20080128160733/http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/specialcollections/collections/guide/atoz/guardian/ "SPANISH NAVY: Huge Contract in British Hands"] Manchester Guardian, 1 February 1909, Page 12 were now in charge of building the new Spanish fleet.{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4204397/4204399/29/ferrol|title=Welsh Newspapers Online SPAIN'S NEW NAVYII{{!}}1909-05-26{{!}}Evening Express - Welsh Newspapers Online|website=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}}

For a period of sixteen years, the technicians were exclusively British, and the situation was not altered till 1925, when management was taken over by Spanish engineers. This was one of the new policies introduced by the newly installed government of the dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/02/20/archives/spain-to-start-work-on-3-navy-bases-soon-ferrol-cartagena-and-mahon.html|title=SPAIN TO START WORK ON 3 NAVY BASES SOON; Ferrol, Cartagena and Mahon Will Be Fortified With Guns of the Longest Range.|date=1928-02-20|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-03-24|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} (1923–1930). The arrival of the British coincided with the construction of a local tram system (1924–1961).[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/ Vistas y curiosidades sobre la historia de El Ferrol y España] Amazing Charley Inc.

In view of the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, and due to the fear of social unrest in the naval station, the Foreign Office in London[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=2576713 "British Vice-Consulate at Ferrol"] General Correspondence FO 63/1041, The National Archives[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=4349592 "British Vice-Consulate at Ferrol"] General Correspondence FO 72/1689, The National Archives organized a ship to repatriate all the remaining British citizens. On 22 July 1936, HMS Witch[https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/22/archives/british-sending-troops.html?sq=ferrol&scp=59&st=cse "British Sending Troops"] New York Times, 22 July 1936, Page 3 left Ferrol bound for Britain.

At the beginning of the war, the shipbuilding yards, workshops, foundries and dry docks in Ferrol were taken over by the state. They were fully nationalized in 1945 under the name "Bazán", later renamed "IZAR", and, from January 2005, Navantia. The town was the birthplace of Francisco Franco, after whom the city was officially known as El Ferrol del Caudillo from 1938 to 1982. The end of the Spanish State and the arrival of democracy in 1978 did little to arrest Ferrol's economic decline,[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/ferrol.1960.1970and1980/ Shipbuilding] Ferrol Historia - Shipbuilding crisis aftefr the arrival of democracy in Spain[http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ferrol_Financial_Times_19.10.1984.jpg Spanish shipyard resists that sinking feeling]{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Financial Times, 19 October 1984 and from 1982 to the early 1990s, the city faced numerous problems due to the waning of the naval sector. The beginning of the new millennium, however, has been a time of economic expansion and prosperity in general.[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/ferrolnaval2004 Fridtjof Nansen class frigates during one of the final stages for completion in Ferrol] Ferrol Historia A new motorway and an outer-port[http://ferrol.historia.tripod.com/ferrolouterport2004/ Views of the new outer-port of Ferrol, an intermodal freight transport port design to suit the new needs] Ferrol Historis have been built, as have numerous arcades and shopping centres, mostly in the outskirts of the city between Ferrol and Naron. Young shoppers and their families frequent the stores and enjoy weekend days out with amenities like bowling, cafeterias, fast food outlets, cinemas and sports facilities.

The Spanish Navy Spanish Squadron{{Cite web|url=http://newspapers.library.wales/view/4602272/4602274/12/ferrol|title=Welsh Newspapers Online SPANISH NAVAL DEMONSTRATION, I{{!}}1895-08-07{{!}}South Wales Echo - Welsh Newspapers Online|website=newspapers.library.wales|language=en|access-date=2018-03-08}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nato_maritime_command/sets/72157686481331113/with/37160501021/|title=DYNAMIC MONARCH 17|work=Flickr|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-us}} still takes part in naval demonstrations and in June 2008 Ferrol hosted the large NATO Maritime Exercise Loyal Mariner (RN).[http://www.manw.nato.int/ NATO Maritime Exercise Loyal Mariner (RN)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123214142/http://www.manw.nato.int/ |date=23 January 2009 }}

The Ferrol Terminus railway station, connecting Lugo to Ferrol, branching off from the line from Madrid to nearby A Coruña, was sanctioned by the Cortes in Madrid as early as 1865 but was not finally inaugurated until 1904. A century later, the High Speed AVE Railway suffered similar delays, eventually opening in 2013.{{Cite news|url=http://www.galiciaartabradigital.com/archivos/53627|title=Renfe duplica su oferta diurna a Galicia y estrena un Alvia Ferrol-Lugo-Madrid - Galicia Ártabra Digital|work=Galicia Ártabra Digital|access-date=2018-03-24|language=es-ES}}

In September 2017,{{Cite news|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/ferrol/ferrol/2017/09/22/obra-tren-canelinas-pone-marcha/00031506080365959141881.htm|title=La obra del tren a Caneliñas se pone en marcha|date=2017-09-22|work=La Voz de Galicia|access-date=2018-03-24|language=es-ES}} a new local railway branch serving the outer port of Ferrol (known as the Canelinas-Ferrol container port), the inside of the bay docks and the Ferrol Terminus railway station was given the green light to begin construction, and aims to move large numbers modern containers in and out of Ferrol, distributing goods throughout Galicia and the rest of Spain and Europe. A small railway local branch operated here in the early years of the 20th century. At that time, Ferrol itself and its ports were intended solely for the Royal Navy and its shipyards, and hence were not open to the general commerce per se. Historically, however, there have been many exceptions, with local businesses including PEMSA (timber), PYSBE (dried and salted cod) and HISPANIA (pencils), in addition to manufacturers of hats, paper and leather, plus naval and hardware stores. Items such as corn, wine, brandy, vinegar, pilchards and herrings (and other produce from Ferrol's own fisheries) have also been exported.{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/adictionarygeog01mcugoog#page/n355/mode/2up/search/ferrol|title=A dictionary, geographical, statistical, and historical : of the various countries, places, and principal natural objects in the world|last1=McCulloch|first1=J. R. |last2=Martin|first2=Frederick|location=London|publisher=Longmans, Green|year=1866|pages=338}}

Like much of Galicia, Ferrol has a humid oceanic climate, characterised by year-long mild temperatures, rainy winters, and relatively dry summers, although it is slightly wetter than the typical Spanish Mediterranean climate during the summer season.

{{Weather box

|location = Ferrol, Galicia (Spain) (2002–2010)

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

|Jan high C = 13.3

|Feb high C = 14.1

|Mar high C = 15.8

|Apr high C = 17.2

|May high C = 18.9

|Jun high C = 22.1

|Jul high C = 23.2

|Aug high C = 23.9

|Sep high C = 23.4

|Oct high C = 19.8

|Nov high C = 15.8

|Dec high C = 13.9

|year high C = 18.4

|Jan mean C = 10.2

|Feb mean C = 10.2

|Mar mean C = 11.8

|Apr mean C = 12.9

|May mean C = 14.8

|Jun mean C = 17.9

|Jul mean C = 19.0

|Aug mean C = 19.7

|Sep mean C = 18.4

|Oct mean C = 15.7

|Nov mean C = 12.5

|Dec mean C = 10.3

|year mean C = 14.5

|Jan low C = 7.3

|Feb low C = 7.0

|Mar low C = 8.4

|Apr low C = 9.4

|May low C = 11.2

|Jun low C = 14.3

|Jul low C = 15.5

|Aug low C = 16.4

|Sep low C = 14.8

|Oct low C = 12.4

|Nov low C = 9.6

|Dec low C = 7.3

|year low C = 11.1

|Jan rain mm = 140

|Feb rain mm = 97

|Mar rain mm = 102

|Apr rain mm = 97

|May rain mm = 75

|Jun rain mm = 57

|Jul rain mm = 51

|Aug rain mm = 38

|Sep rain mm = 50

|Oct rain mm = 183

|Nov rain mm = 208

|Dec rain mm = 157

|year rain mm = 1257

|Jan precipitation days = 17

|Feb precipitation days = 11

|Mar precipitation days = 13

|Apr precipitation days = 11

|May precipitation days = 11

|Jun precipitation days = 7

|Jul precipitation days = 7

|Aug precipitation days = 6

|Sep precipitation days = 6

|Oct precipitation days = 14

|Nov precipitation days = 17

|Dec precipitation days = 15

|year precipitation days = 137

|unit precipitation days = 1 mm

|Jan sun = 79

|Feb sun = 124

|Mar sun = 158

|Apr sun = 194

|May sun = 218

|Jun sun = 238

|Jul sun = 261

|Aug sun = 248

|Sep sun = 217

|Oct sun = 139

|Nov sun = 95

|Dec sun = 90

|year sun = 2060

|source 1 = MeteoGalicia{{cite web | title=CIS Ferrol | url=http://www2.meteogalicia.es/galego/observacion/estacions/DatosHistoricosTaboas_mensualInv.asp?est=10050¶m=83,10112,10113,10006,10001,10125&data1=01/1/2002&data2=01/12/2010&tiporede=automaticas&red=102&idprov=0 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624204048/http://www2.meteogalicia.es/galego/observacion/estacions/DatosHistoricosTaboas_mensualInv.asp?est=10050¶m=83,10112,10113,10006,10001,10125&data1=01/1/2002&data2=01/12/2010&tiporede=automaticas&red=102&idprov=0 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2013-06-24 }}

|date=November 2011

}}

{{Historical populations|1842|16641|1857|18669|1877|22403|1887|26372|1900|26257|1910|26270|1920|30782|1930|37662|1940|54199|1950|67881|1960|70254|1970|80194|1981|87691|1991|83045|2001|77950|2011|71690|2021|64928|source=National Statistics Institute{{cite web|title=Changes in the municipalities in the population census since 1842|url=https://www.ine.es/intercensal/inicio.do|publisher=National Statistics Institute|language=es}}|cols=2|align=none}}

1. Primary Industries – Agriculture (Horse Breeding), Aquaculture (Fish Farming), Fishing (Specializing in the Atlantic Shoals), Important Mines (ENDESA), NTFPs (Forestry), Quarries and Timber.
2. Secondary Industries – Shipbuilding, Ship Engines, Turbines (Wind Mills and Ships), Electrical Equipment, Ironworks, Fashion (Textiles), Food (Canned Fish) and Wood-Made Products.
3. Tertiary Industries – Mercantile, Fishing and Military Ports, Restaurants, News Media (Ferrol TV/Diario de Ferrol), Hotels (Barceló Almirante/Pazo Libunca), Leisure and Tourism (World Surf Competitions, Popular Transatlantic Steamships Stop), Consulting, Health Care/Hospitals (Arquitecto Marcide Hospital Complex), Education (Schools, Colleges/ESENGRA and Universities/UNED/PERITOS) and Public Utilities, Franchises (main brand names and designer label's shops), Wholesale (Navy Suppliers/Anton-Martin) and Retail Industries (El Corte Inglés/Alcampo).
4. Quaternary Sector Industries – Naval, Electrical and Mechanical Equipment together with New Technologies.

{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Spain}}

Ferrol is twinned with:

• {{flagicon|POR}} Águeda, Portugal (1999){{cite web |title=Ata da reunião número 5/18 do executivorealizada no dia 6 de março de 2018|url=https://www.cm-agueda.pt/cmagueda/uploads/document/file/3288/act_act_5_18_1.pdf|website=cm-agueda.pt|publisher=Águeda|page=3|language=pt|date=2018-02-28|access-date=2023-11-23}}
• {{flagicon|ESP}} Mondoñedo, Galicia, Spain (2004){{cite web |title=Ferrol y Mondoñedo harán oficial su hermanamiento el 18 de octubre|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/lugo/lugo/2004/08/04/ferrol-mondonedo-haran-oficial-hermanamiento-18-octubre/0003_2912599.htm|publisher=La Voz de Galicia|language=es|date=2004-08-04|access-date=2024-01-24}}
• {{flagicon|ESP}} Lugo, Galicia, Spain (2000){{cite web |title=Los alcaldes de Ferrol y Lugo ven en 2015 un año de oportunidades para el naval|url=http://www.diariodeferrol.com/articulo/ferrol/alcaldes-ferrol-y-lugo-ven-2015-ano-oportunidades-naval/20150107213330111793.html|publisher=Diario de Ferrol|language=es|date=2015-01-08|access-date=2023-11-14}}
• {{flagicon|POR}} Vila do Conde, Portugal (1973){{cite web |title=Geminações|url=https://www.cm-viladoconde.pt/pages/410|website=cm-viladoconde.pt|publisher=Vila do Conde|language=pt|access-date=2023-11-23}}

• Alonso Pita da Veiga
• Andrés Suárez, singer-songwriter
• Ángeles Alvariño González (1916–2005), biologist and oceanographer
• Benito Vicetto Pérez (1824–1878), writer
• Carlos Jean (born 1973), electronic musician and music producer
• Concepción Arenal (1820–1893), writer, feminist activist
• Fernando Álvarez de Sotomayor y Zaragoza (1875–1960), painter
• Francisco Franco (1892–1975), dictator of Spain from the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) to his death
• Frederick H. Shaw (1864–1924)
• Gonzalo Torrente Ballester (1910–1999), writer
• Ignacio Fernández Toxo (born 1952), ex general secretary of the national union CCOO and President of the ETUC
• Jenaro Pérez Villaamil (1807–1854), painter
• Jesús Vázquez Martínez (born 1965), TV presenter
• José Canalejas Méndez (1854–1912), former Spanish Prime Minister died in office
• María Isabel Rivera Torres (born 1952), actress
• Marquis of Amboage (1823–1892), multimillionaire and politician
• Nacho Novo (born 1979), professional footballer
• Pablo Iglesias Posse (1850–1925), politician and founder of Spanish socialist party PSOE
• Paloma Pérez-Lago González (born 1967), fashion model and TV presenter
• Patricio Montojo y Pasarón (1839–1917), Spanish admiral during the Spanish–American War who was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay
• Aurora Rodríguez Carballeira (1879–1955), woman who murdered her teenage daughter, conceived as a eugenics experiment
• Paula Vázquez Picallo (born 1973), TV presenter and model
• Ramón Franco (1896–1938), aviator and brother of Francisco Franco
• Ricardo Carvalho Calero (1910–1990), academic at the University of Santiago de Compostela and the first ever professor of Galician language and Galician literature
• Ignacio Cabezón (1954-2021), politician

• El Casino de Ferrol
• El Circulo Mercantil de Ferrol
• El Club Naval de Ferrol
• El Correo Gallego
• El Diario de Ferrol
• El Ferrol Diario
• Endesa Termic
• Racing Club de Ferrol
• School of Peritos Navales and Industriales
• Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval
• Spain's National Exhibition of Ship Building
• List of municipalities in A Coruña

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

{{sister project links|Ferrol}}

• {{Official website|http://www.ferrol.es}} {{in lang|es|gl}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050420030928/http://www.travelthewondersofspain.com/north.html Green Tourism in Northern Spain 2005]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090413180621/http://www.clubmontanaferrol.com/miradores.htm Site devoted to the art of landscape and nature of Ferrolterra] {{in lang|es}}
• [http://wheniwasachildinferrol.neocities.org/ When I Was a Child in Ferrol, Spain (1953–65)]

{{Ferrolterra}}

{{Andrade Lands}}

{{Ferrol-San Cibrao}}

{{Galician cities}}

{{A Coruña (province)}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Municipalities in the Province of A Coruña

Category:Port cities and towns on the Spanish Atlantic coast

Category:Populated coastal places in Spain

Category:Spanish Navy