In Memoriam: British Lives in Andalucia
For centuries, the allure of Andalucia, has transcended geographical boundaries. Its sun-drenched shores, vibrant culture, and captivating history have captivated hearts from across the globe, with the British holding a particularly noteworthy place in this enduring connection.
The first documented British interaction with Andalucia dates back to the 14th century. Merchants, drawn by the region's flourishing trade routes and the promise of exotic goods, established a foothold in coastal towns like Seville.
The British played a pivotal role in introducing sherry, a fortified wine still synonymous with Andalucia, to international markets. They also left their mark on architecture, with Victorian-style buildings dotting certain areas. Interestingly, the story of football in Andalucia has British roots. Expatriate miners in Rio Tinto Huelva are credited with founding the region's first football club, fostering a passion for the beautiful game that continues to this day.
The 19th century saw a wave of Romantic travellers, captivated by the region's exotic allure and steeped in the ideals of Romanticism. Travellers like Lord Byron and novelists like George Borrow, who explored the Andalusian character in "The Bible in Spain," painted a picture of a land steeped in mystery, passion, and a bygone era. These literary giants weren't alone. Artists like David Roberts captured the grandeur of Andalusian architecture, while others, like John Frederick Lewis, documented the vibrant daily life of the region. Their works fueled a fascination with Andalucia in Britain.
The 1970s and 1980s that witnessed a surge in British tourism to Andalucia. With jet engine came the rise of affordable package holidays and the increasing popularity of mass tourism. Some came south in this tourism wave but never left.
Caroline Neele moved to Spain in her mid-twenties after marrying Antonio, the drummer of the popular sixties band Los Mustang. In her forties she moved to Andalusia and lived in San Pedro, Ronda… More →
Guy Hunter-Watts, walking expert and prolific author of walking guides who has led countless groups on walks through the breathtaking landscapes of Andalucia, has found his adopted home in… More →
The founder of Cudeca, Joan Hunt, who died in 2021 at the age of 92, was one of the most inspirational pioneers in the field of palliative care in Southern Spain. She arrived in Málaga in 1984… More →
Described by the tabloids as 'indecently charming and deliciously wicked’, Shelagh Tennant, the ‘60s wild child noted for being the person who helped bring The Beatles to Spain, became one of… More →
The first interesting connection between John Lennon and Andalucía was his trip to Torremolinos with The Beatles' manager, Brian Epstein, in the summer of 1963. They spent two weeks there on… More →
Lady Mary Herbert de Powis was a remarkable women who led a long and interesting life. In 1727 she emigrated to Spain and, like many expats who followed her, the motivation was to seek new… More →
Lord Byron's visit to Andalucia was brief, a matter of days, but the impact it left on him and the legacy he left behind were significant. In 1809, not long after leaving Cambridge, George Gordon… More →
I met Don Lorenzo (aka Lawrence Bohme, English writer and former resident of Montefrio, a hilltop village in Granada province) on the Internet. That does not sound remarkable, but actually it was… More →
Laurie Lee was a poet and novelist, best-known for his autobiographical trilogy Cider with Rosie (1959), As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning (1969), and A Moment of War (1991). The trilogy… More →
His early childhood was spent in India and South Africa before he continued his formal education in England. Brenan initially attended Radley College and then the Military Academy at Sandhurst.… More →
