Nelsons Attack On Santa Cruz – 24 & 25 July

On 25 July 1797 Lord Nelson and the British fleet attacked Santa Cruz but were repelled by the Tenerife forces. This historic act is commemorated each year with re-enactments of the major clashes of the attempted invasion and this year the action plays out in dramatic style with reproduction uniforms and weapons used by both sides in La Gesta.

Saturday 24 July
Noon till 2pm – British troops arrive by sea at the Castillo San Juan (next to the Auditorium) and meet fierce resistance. It was during this attempt that Lord Nelson lost his arm after being shot.
8pm – Battle at Plaza Iglesia de la Concepcion and in defence of Calle la Noria
9-45pm – British surrender at Plaza Isla de Madera.
Sunday 25 July
Noon – Formal surrender of British troops by Captain Troubridge to the Spanish Governor of Tenerife, Juan Antonio Gutierrez, in the Plaza Candelaria