A piece of history on Tenerife encompasses the battle and heroism between General Gutiérrez and Admiral Nelson.
The history of Tenerife is marked by wars and battles, a long journey of conflict and resilience. This period, spanning from the time of the Menceyes (the Guanche kings) to the era of Franco, defines a crucial part of the island’s identity. Among the many battles fought, one stands out for its heroism and strategic brilliance: the clash between Admiral Nelson and General Gutiérrez, a testament to tactical prowess and a subtle mutual respect.
Castillo Negro: The Battle of Barranco de Santos
The Barranco de Santos served as the battleground for the confrontation between British and Spanish forces, where General Gutiérrez secured victory. On the night of July 24, 1797, at 10 p.m., British troops led by Admiral Horatio Nelson prepared their assault on the island. Over 1,100 men participated in the attack, which began near the Castillo Negro in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The rough seas complicated the landing, which eventually took place in the early hours of July 25, marking the start of the battle.
A Walk in the Park?
Between July 22 and 25, 1797, a British squadron of nine ships and 3,700 soldiers, commanded by Admiral Horatio Nelson, attempted to capture the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Their ultimate goal was to conquer Tenerife and later the other Canary Islands—a seemingly straightforward plan.
Under the pretense of docking a frigate carrying goods from the East, the British failed to access the port, prompting them to deploy greater force. Nelson justified his attack by claiming that the island lacked adequate military defense and was too far from mainland Spain to receive immediate reinforcements. With superior equipment, manpower, and the might of the world’s most powerful navy, he believed victory would be effortless—a simple walk in the park. But history had other plans.
Driven Warriors: The Genius of General Gutiérrez
General Gutiérrez, commander of the Canarian forces, was a seasoned strategist who crafted a flawless defense with limited resources. His extensive military experience—having fought in seven wars and defeated the British twice before, near the Falkland Islands and Menorca—played to his advantage. In the battle for Santa Cruz harbor, he relied on his expertise and the fierce determination of his troops, leading them to success.
This military action, known as the Gesta of July 25, 1797, is one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Canary Islands.
General vs. Admiral
The British attack on Santa Cruz was part of a larger strategic ambition. The Canary Islands were geographically ideal as a stopover for long voyages to the Americas and Africa. With no Suez Canal yet, ships had to sail around Africa to reach the Far East. Securing a foothold in the Canaries would provide military and economic control of this vital route.
However, the plan never materialized. General Gutiérrez outwitted Admiral Nelson, showcasing superior strategy and determination. A fascinating piece of history indeed.
A Legendary Tale
On a warm summer day in 1797, a farmer’s daughter from the Anaga Mountains spotted the English armada heading toward Santa Cruz. She hurried to the nearest military garrison, alerting the Canarian troops in time to thwart the surprise attack.
From fortified castles and defensive positions in the capital, artillery forces repelled the intense assault. According to legend, the historic cannon El Tigre delivered the decisive blow, driving the attackers away. In reality, it was the precise artillery fire and the devastating impact of the cannonballs that led to victory. El Tigre is now proudly displayed in the Regional Military Museum in Santa Cruz.
Letters of Respect
After the battle and the retreat of Nelson’s troops, General Gutiérrez took a remarkable step: he sent Nelson a letter praising his tactical approach and military efforts. Along with the letter, he included local wine and cheese as a gesture of goodwill.
In return, Nelson sent a letter of thanks and reciprocated with British wine and cheese for the Canarian forces. This exchange fostered an unexpected camaraderie and mutual respect between the general and the admiral, as well as their respective troops.
A Piece of Tenerife’s History
This story, passed down through generations, captures the spirit of resilience and humanity in the face of conflict. Whether historically accurate or embellished over time, it remains a cherished piece of Tenerife’s past, illustrating the power of chance encounters and the unpredictable course of history.
Painting: Gesta by Pedro de Guezala © Photography
A Piece of history on Tenerife ©
More HISTORY can be read [HERE]
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