Story of Thomas Ferriar life told by UCLan historians on 200th anniversary
The remarkable story of a Manchester man who is still regarded as a hero of South American independence is being celebrated in a free online event.
The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Centre for History and Public Engagement with the Past is organising a bi-centennial commemoration for Colonel Thomas Ferriar.
Thomas, who was born in 1785, was mortally wounded in 1821 while commanding the British Legion’s First Division at the crucial battle of Carabobo.
This was under the eyes of Simon Bolivar, ‘the Great Liberator’, and victory secured independence from Spain for Venezuela.
"We can’t wait to share this story, which will explore the life and times of Thomas, including his family background, on the 200th anniversary of his death"
— Nick Mansfield, UCLan’s Professor of History
His statue figures prominently in the Campo Carabobo national monument while St Ann’s Church, in central Manchester, contains a memorial to the Ferriar family, and this includes Thomas.
Nick Mansfield, UCLan’s Professor of History, said: “Not many people in the region will know the fascinating story about Thomas Ferriar so this talk will ask why did a Mancunian play such a prominent part in the South American liberation movement?
“We can’t wait to share this story, which will explore the life and times of Thomas, including his family background, on the 200th anniversary of his death.”
The free online event is taking place on Saturday 17 July from 2.30pm to 4.00pm. To access the event, log on here.