|
The borough's centuries-old connection with Chilean hero Bernardo O'Higgins was celebrated on Wednesday, 20 August at a ceremony in the square that bears his name. Chilean Ambassador, Rafael Moreno, and the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons, led the ceremony, held at O'Higgins Square near Richmond Bridge. The Ambassador was welcomed to the borough by the Mayor and following a tour of York House and its gardens, they travelled together by barge to the venue. Bernardo O'Higgins was one of the leading figures in the Chilean fight for independence and headed the country's first permanent national government. He lived in Richmond between the ages of 16 to 18 and studied at Clarence House in The Vineyard, Richmond, which used to be a private school. There is a blue plaque on the wall beside the house and a bust of O'Higgins in the square. The ceremony marks his birthday. Senor Moreno said: "Richmond upon-Thames has become an important place in Chilean history. Year after year, the community of this borough has enhanced the relationship with Bernardo O'Higgins, who lived and studied here for the independence of our country. "We are very grateful to this community because they honour, with O'Higgins Square, his bust and an annual ceremony, the image of our founding father." Cllr Lee-Parsons said: "It is a great pleasure to welcome the Ambassador to the borough on such a significant day in the Chilean calendar. "We are extremely proud of our connection with Bernardo O'Higgins, who is one of the most influential men to have lived in the borough, and the friendship it has enabled us to develop with the Chilean people." Courtesy of: http://www.richmond.gov.uk/ |
