MODERN AGE
The
Modern Age starts with a most remarkable date, not appreciated in History.
Baiona is the first port of the Old Continent to know about the discovery of
the New World; this occurs in1493 when the Caravel la Pinta arrives in the
port commanded by Martín Alonso Pinzón and García Sarmiento, to repair the
ship. The Catholic Monarchs travel to Galicia in 1486 to reinforce the
municipal autonomy in their own villages, in 
order to grant them with privileges and exemptions,inspite of the fact
that they name a royal chief magistrate there.
In 1497, knowing about the misfortune in Baiona in the XV century, new advantages are granted to all those who decided to settle down in Monte Boi, only provided that there have to be 200 new settlers; it is also arranged that Monte Boi should be called from then on Monte Real (Royal Hill), having a population of 650 inhabitants in the XVI century.
Flourishment
is evident, coming vessels from Flanders, France and England. Many merchant
from abroad settle down here due to the good economic conditions in Baiona.
This progress means an extra income to reorganize and beautify the village, to
rebuild the Collegiate Church,... During the reign of Philip II (1556-1598)
Baiona starts to slowly decay because of three facts: fights, the use of other
ports and the destruction of houses. England fights against all the Spanish
vessels travelling across the Atlantic Ocean which bring on board noble metals
from America. This was the finacial income to fight in Europe. The most famous
English pirate, Sir Francis Drake gets shore in1585 in Burgo, a place about 1
km from Baoina.Drake destroys Santa Marta Hermitage and bombs Baiona, although
he is defeated by the strong opposition of the people who repels the attack.
Another factor of decay was that vessels from abroad start to unload in other
ports as Pontevedra or Vigo. This means a reduction in the incomes of Baiona.
In 1640, Portugal becomes independent from Spain with the help of England. The
consequences for Baiona are of great calamity as a series of damages are made
around the wall in order to make the fortress impassable.; so in 1656 the
Governor of Monte Real, don Xoan de Feixoo, demolished the 'Casa da
Misericordia'. In 1662 more than six hundred houses are knocked down to
increase the fortress security. In 1666 another five hundred are demolished in
Baiona and Concheira. The population of Baiona decreased from two thousand
inhabitants before the war to a hundred and fifty, remaining only a hundred
and three small houses within Monte Real. During the XVIII century in the
reigns of Charles III and Carles IV, Baiona fights against all the vessels
travelling near the Portuguese coasts.
Entre Between 1740 and 1748 the pirate from Baiona Barrera stands out commanding the San Telmo and Animas brig. He manages to capture 31 vessels, confiscating the merchandise which used to be fabrics, cod, leather, rice and metals.
In 1798, Xosé Estevez, commanding the 'Atlante' captured 3 brigs and a 400 tons frigate. Other famous pirate vessels were 'Gavilan' and 'Dilixente' The Monte Real fortress lost its condition of village during the XVIII century and very few houses remained. they were used as warehouses, quarters,...
