Madeira History

"About 20 million years ago: Madeira comes into being

As a consequence of intensive tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions under the sea, there is a piling-up of lava material in the Atlantic Ocean during the Mesozoic period (about 5-25 million years ago).

The seabed rises to as much as 400 m above its original level. Several million years later the final volcanos become extinct and plants and trees begin to grow on the fertile layer of lava.”  (pg. 31)

“AA . Baedeker  - Madeira” (2000) Automobile Association Developments Limited, Hampshire: AA Publishing

Madeira – “Famous People”

John Blandy (1783-1855)

“The Briton John Blandy was born in Dorchester in 1783 and came to Madeira for the first time in 1783 and came to Madeira for the first time in 1807 as quartermaster for the British garrison. He fell in love with the island and four years later, after leaving military service, he settled on the island for good. Blandy purchased the house at 8, Rua de São Francisco and founded a business dealing in Madeira wine. “Blandy`s Madeira Wine Company” became well-known all over Europe and had successful branches not just in England, but also in Lisbon and later on Gran Canaria.” (pg. 36)

“AA . Baedeker - Madeira” (2000) Automobile Association Developments Limited, Hampshire: AA Publishing