This is a story of particular interest to me as I studied Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's work as novelist, playwright and short story writer in my degree course some 45 years ago. (One interesting fact is that the man, who many see as the world's greatest novelist, died on the same day as the world's greatest playwright in 1616.)
A Historic document has revealed that the famous Spanish author of Don Quixote may actually be of English heritage.
The startling findings were found by historian Julio Mayo, who suggests that some of Miguel de Cervantes's relatives appear to have been English.
The family tree seemingly contains a range of characters including a British spy and a suspected slave trader who lived in Bristol.
The manuscript, which was found in Utrera's town hall, is thought to date back to 1593 and identifies a certain 'Juan Titon de Servantes', thought to be a relative of the famous author.
Titon's relatives appear to suggest he comes from an Anglosaxon family, with the listed surnames including 'Tintam' (Titon) and Herbert' (Herver).
The Tintam family lived in Bristol before settling in Sanlucar de Barrameda, Cadiz in 1480.
The Medina Sidonia mayor Enrique de Guzman reportedly gave permission for the trader to stay in Spain, according to the Spanish newspaper The Olive Press.
'I truly believe I have proved Cervantes had English family and it's only the beginning,' Mayo said.
Last month Spain celebrated the fourth centenary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes with hundreds of events.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3576959/Was-Spanish-author-Don-Quixote-actually-ENGLISH-Historian-claims-country-s-national-treasure-belonged-family-Bristol.html#ixzz47wKVhVcbFollow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
(I can still quote the opening line of the great novel in Spanish - if ever required to do so!)
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