English Argentine - Background

Background

The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to recognise the independence of Argentina, in a treaty of 1825. English arrivals and investment played a large part in the development of the rail and tramways of Argentina, and of Argentine agriculture, livestock breeding, processing, refrigeration and export. At one point in the 19th century, ten per cent of the UK's foreign investment was in Argentina, despite not being a colony. In 1939, 39% of investment in Argentina was British.

English culture, or a version of it as perceived from outside, had a noted effect on the culture of Argentina mainly the middle classes. In 1888 local Anglo-Argentines established the Hurlingham Club, based on its namesake in London. The city of Hurlingham, Buenos Aires and Hurlingham Partido grew up around the club in Buenos Aires Province and took their names from the club. The Córdoba Athletic Club (rugby/field hockey/tennis/swimming) one of the older sports clubs in Argentina, was founded by English men that lived in Córdoba, working in the railroads, circa 1880.

In 1912 Harrods opened a department store in Buenos Aires; the only Harrods ever opened outside of London. Harrods Buenos Aires became independent of Harrods in the 1940s but still traded under the Harrods name.

Afternoon tea became standard amongst large segments of the population and generated the popular "merienda", an afternoon snack, (also known simply as "la leche" - milk) because it was served with the tea or as chocolate milk along with the sweets). The Richmond café on Florida Street is a notable tea venue near the Harrods department store, now turned into an exhibition hall.

Gardened chalets built by railway executives near railway stations in suburbs such as Banfield, Munro, Ranelagh and Hurlingham gave a pointed English atmosphere to local areas in Buenos Aires, especially in winter when shrouded in grey mists and fallen oak leaves over cobblestones. Belgrano R, within the Belgrano district, is another train station known for the "British" neighbourhood around it, originated by the railway. An Anglican church from 1896 and the school founded by Alexander Watson Hutton in 1884 are both located in this area. Also important are the railway terminals Estación Retiro in Retiro, Buenos Aires and Estación Constitución. There are numerous countryside stations in the Pampas.

Around 100,000 Anglo-Argentines are the descendants of English immigrants to Argentina. They are one of the most successful immigrant groups of Argentina, gaining prominence in commerce, industry, and the professions. Many are noted by their ability to speak English in family circles, with an undistinguishable English accent. A respected English language newspaper, the Buenos Aires Herald, continues to be published daily in Buenos Aires.

Anglo-Argentines have traditionally differed from their fellow Argentines by largely retaining strong ties with their mother country, including education and commerce. Many of the schools in Argentina are bilingual offering both English language and Spanish language, including St. Mark's College, Monte Grande, Balmoral College, St. Albans College, St.Georges College, Belgrano Day School and Washington School, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires had a number of "Cultural Inglesa" branches (English Cultural Association), and English language learning and teaching in state schools and private institutions was invariably geared towards the Received Pronunciation or Queen's English throughout the 20th century. Blue blazers and grey flannels are still used as uniforms in most private schools. There is also the Buenos Aires High School.

The Anglo-Argentine Society, based in London, was founded in 1948 and has about 900 members. It is a society for Argentine people living in the United Kingdom, particularly those of Anglo-Argentine heritage. One of its main aims is to promote understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Coghlan, Buenos Aires was originally inhabited by English and Irish immigrants. It is known for its large, English style residences. Caballito, Buenos Aires contains an area called the "English District".

In 1794, the British Empire opened a consulate in San Nicolás, Buenos Aires, leading to the development of a large British community in the area, which became known as the "English borough." They founded the English Merchants' Society in 1810 and the British Consulate became home to the first modern bank in Buenos Aires, in 1822.