The legend of 'Silver Face': The humble sailor from Stockport who changed the world
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA Stockport sailor has been honoured in his own home town centuries after becoming a hero in South America. Admiral John Illingworth is said to be as famous in Ecuador as Lord Nelson is in Britain.
John Illingworth was born in Heaton Norris on September 10, 1786. He joined the Royal Navy in 1801, aged 15 years old, and eventually became an admiral.
He became a South American national hero for his actions to protect the future president of Ecuador, Vincente Rocafuerte, from the Spanish.
Rocafuerte was carrying a large fortune in gold by sea and never forgot the Stockport sailor's help. READ MORE: Channel 4's Grand Designs at 25: Five stunning homes around Greater Manchester featured over the years READ MORE: Secrets from the world of the 24-hour party people in Manchester's hottest clubs John Illingworth - known as Juan - fought alongside some of South America's greatest military heroes of the time for the emancipation of Latin America.
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