Bernardo O'Higgins Remembered in Richmond

Seated at O’Higgins Square in Richmond, one finds a place of serenity overlooking the River Thames. Passersby pause briefly, drawn to the bust of a man gazing out across the tranquil waves.

The inscription reads:

General Bernardo O’Higgins, 1778–1842

Chilean Statesman, Liberator of his country,

Lived and studied in Richmond upon Thames, 1795–1798

It is hard to imagine that a young man, sent by his Irish father to England simply to improve his education, would soon find himself at the centre of a movement that would change the destiny of a nation. While in London, Bernardo O’Higgins met Francisco de Miranda, Simón Bolívar, Andrés Bello, and other influential figures who inspired him to embrace their vision: the liberation of Chile, and indeed much of Latin America, from Spanish colonial rule.

Chile, like many of its neighbours, had been under Spanish domination since the arrival of the conquistadores in 1536—part of the vast imperial project that began with Christopher Columbus’s voyage in 1492. I still recall learning these dates back in Chile, and they remain etched in my memory as milestones of both conquest and the eventual struggle for freedom.

This year, a little later than usual, we gathered to commemorate the birthday of Bernardo O’Higgins (August 20, 1778). But more than marking a date, we came together to honour the memory of a man who, without formal military training, rose to become a liberator, a statesman, and ultimately the Father of the Nation. His vision, I believe, was shaped during his time in Richmond and London, where he observed the way people lived, how politics influenced society, and, above all, experienced the freedoms that only democracy can bring.

As the Mayor of Richmond so aptly reminded us during the ceremony, O’Higgins’ achievements are greater than any of us could ever hope to match. She also reflected on the meaning of the Chilean flag: the blue representing the vast Pacific Ocean, the white symbolising the snow-capped Andes Mountains, and the red honouring the blood spilt in the battles for liberation. And as for the lone star, I will leave its interpretation to your imagination.

The day began with a service at St Elizabeth of Portugal Church, the very church Bernardo O’Higgins frequently attended. This charming church, nestled beside the school on The Vineyard Street in Richmond, once hosted the young Bernardo as a student. Today, a blue plaque reminds us that he lived and studied there during his formative years.

Not even the rain could deter those who gathered to celebrate O’Higgins’ remarkable achievements. Among the attendees were military personnel and ambassadors from New Zealand, Peru, and Argentina, as well as representatives of Chile, led by Her Excellency the Chilean Ambassador, Ximena Fuentes, Francisco Bertolucci, and Colonel Roberto Lazo Santos. A wreath was laid on behalf of The Anglo-Chilean Society by Claudio Durán and Carmen Pearson.

The event stood as a powerful reminder of the legacy O’Higgins left behind, a legacy that continues to inspire all Chileans and friends of Chile alike. Long after our time has passed, Bernardo will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in history, whose vision and courage shaped the destiny of a nation.