Celebration of Richmond's unique link with Chile hero

By The Editor 26th Aug 2020

Richmond's unique connection with a founding father of Chile has been cherished with a ceremony.

Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme was one of the key figures in the Chilean independence movement and head of the country's first national government.

A bust of O'Higgins atop an elegant concrete monument designed by Chilean architect Marcial Echenique can be found off Richmond Bridge and above the riverside.

The area is known as O'Higgins Square.

O'Higgins lived in Richmond for two years while he studied at Clarence House in The Vineyard, which used to be a private school.

Every year Richmond marks his birthday, August 20, and last week Mayor of Richmond Cllr Geoff Acton join delegates from the Chilean Embassy in laying wreaths at the square.

Chilean Ambassador David Gallagher said: "O'Higgins acquired in London the combination of resilience and liberal ideals that were to become crucial on his return to Chile.

"They were to serve him in endless battles which he waged against the Spanish, from when he became Commander-in-Chief of a rag-tag Patriot Army in 1814.

"He declared all Chileans equal before the law, including the indigenous population – O'Higgins could speak to them in Mapuche, which he learnt at primary school in the south of Chile.

"He abolished titles and obliged their holders to remove their coats of arms from the fronts of their houses.

"He abolished bullfights. He obliged the church to bury the dead in cemeteries outside the city limits rather than within the church compound.

"O'Higgins had never been ambitious. He had always kept a modestly low profile."

The Mayor said: "We are incredibly proud of this very special connection between our borough and the people of Chile.

"It's a connection that has endured for centuries, with a statue in Richmond commemorating Bernardo O'Higgins.

"Whilst 2020 has been difficult for so many people across the world, it was my pleasure to welcome the Chilean Ambassador to Richmond to celebrate our shared history."

Mr Gallagher added: "This year Covid has obliged us to commemorate the Liberator's birthday with austerity.

"But we were there just the same, in smaller numbers, accompanied by the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Geoff Acton.

"As always, we are deeply grateful to the Council of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for their cooperation in this solemn yearly exercise."