Antonio Gutiérrez de Otero y Santayana González-Varona, born in Aranda de Duero-Burgos on May 8, 1729, passed away in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on May 14, 1799. Hailing from a noble Burgos family, at the tender age of seven, he commenced his service under His Majesty to receive military training. By 14 years old, he joined the regular army as a lieutenant in the Mallorca Infantry Regiment, partaking in the Italian campaign.
Rising to the rank of captain in 1748, he served in various Spanish cities until being promoted to lieutenant colonel. In 1770, he led the landing forces that ousted the English from the Malvinas Islands (Argentina), earning a promotion to colonel. Upon his return to Spain in 1772, he assumed command of the King’s Immemorial Regiment and took part in the Algiers expedition, showcasing his exceptional leadership despite sustaining a severe head injury.
In 1781, then a brigadier (equivalent to a brigadier general), he contributed to the Gibraltar blockade and was part of the forces that recaptured Menorca on January 6, 1782. To commemorate this victory, Charles III established the Military Easter holiday. Recognizing his merits, he was appointed military commander of Menorca in 1783 and later governor of Mahón, serving as general commander of the Balearic Islands from 1787 to 1790.
In October 1790, Charles IV promoted him to field marshal (equivalent to a division general) and appointed him commander general of the Canary Islands, with the presidency of the Royal Court, based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Gutiérrez assumed these roles on January 30, 1791.
After two years in Santa Cruz, he was elevated to the rank of lieutenant general, the highest position in the Royal Armies. He continued his duties as governor and commander general of the Canary Islands, overseeing the Regulated Troops and Militias, and presiding over the Royal Armies. Audience.
Drawing on his past campaigns, Antonio Gutierrez restructured the Canary Islands Infantry Battalion, enhanced the training of the Militia Units, and meticulously prepared the Islands’ defence amidst Spain’s conflicts with France and England. Thus, from July 22 to 25, 1797, Santa Cruz de Tenerife witnessed one of its most illustrious episodes: the renowned victory over a formidable English fleet led by Horacio Nelson, known as the Gesta.
THE ACHIEVEMENT OF 1797
Following the British surrender, the local authorities and residents gathered in the Pilar church four days later, appointing the Holy Cross and Apostle Santiago as companions of the Villa in celebration of the triumph over the English. The mayor, upon requesting the commander general to forward the agreement to the Court, recommended seeking further benefits for the town. This led to His Majesty granting the title of Exempt Villa of La Laguna and a coat of arms with its own distinct emblems on November 28, 1803.
From that moment onwards, the town was known as: Muy Leal, Noble e Invicta Villa, Puerto y Plaza de Santa Cruz de Santiago de Tenerife.
*José Manuel Ledesma, the official chronicler of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
