26/04/2010
British historian speaks on the participation of British and Irish soldiers in the Venezuelan War for Independence

Dr. Matthew Brown, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Studies at the University of Bristol, spoke at Bolivar Hall on the participation of British and Irish soldiers during the Venezuelan War for Independence.

Brown stressed the importance of these combatants and stated that the number of British and Irish soldiers engaged in battle rose to 7,000 men.

“These brave men were very useful for Venezuela, and many of them decided to stay in Venezuela or other neighboring countries to raise their own families”, said Brown.

Great Britain recognised Venezuela in 1821 soon after it gained independence from Spain. From that time on Britain initiated bilateral relations with Venezuela which began with lending money through English banks and later with the incorporation of various British companies.

Brown emphasised the importance of leading characters, such as: Daniel Florence O’Leary, aide-de-camp of Simon Bolivar, and Sir Robert Ker Porter, a very important person during the 19th century.  According to Brown: “Porter is a source for historians interested in climate change. In the early 19th century in Latin America, Porter kept a very detailed diary about climate, temperature, humidity, etc”.

This talk at Bolivar Hall forms part of a series of cultural events that the Embassy has organised to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Venezuela’s Independence.

Press Unit of the Venezuelan Embassy in London