The ambassador of the United Kingdom in Spain, Hugh Elliot, began an official visit to the Canary Islands yesterday and began in Tenerife, where he was interested, among other things, in knowing first-hand how Admiral Nelson was defeated in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the battle of July 25, 1797. To do so, he visited the Almeyda Military History Museum, where he was received by the head of the Canary Islands Command, Alejandro Escámez. From the hands of the Tertulia Amigos del 25 de Julio and the Historical-Cultural Gesta Association of July 25, 1797, the ambassador received information not only about the defeat, but also about the different anecdotes that surround it.
The official chronicler of the city and member of the Tertulia, José Manuel Ledesma, acted as a guide through the different stages of the battle that are exhibited in the museum. “The ambassador was very interested in learning more about Nelson’s defeat and he contacted the Tertulia. In Almeyda we were able to show him the books that we have published about the Gesta, we also explained some of the anecdotes, such as those of the flags that were abandoned by the British troops, and that for many years were kept in the Church of La Concepción, where British tourists paid to see them, and some even took a piece, “he said.
From the Reenactors Association, its president, Andrés Méndez, offered some details about the uniforms they wear, the work they do to keep history alive, as well as the weapons they use. They gave the ambassador one of the parades that they usually carry out on the occasion of the Gesta of July 25.
As explained by Elliot himself on his social networks, in addition to Almeyda, yesterday he also visited The English Library, a British library that has been in Tenerife since 1903. “I have learned from its president Ken Fisher and its members, their support for the Tenerife society with solidarity and cultural initiatives. Congratulations and thank you!”, he prayed on his Twitter account.
