Spaniards in Britain = black hair and blue eyes?

[Dave_Stewart]

A number of my relatives are dark swarthy people, who have all emigrated to Australia directly from England or Scotland.

One of the explanations I have received from an elderly relative for their dark features is that Spanish conquistadors came through Scotland and cross-bred with the locals. Another explanation recently provided to me by my grandmother is that survivors of the Spanish Armada swam to shore and came to live in England.

Does anyone know if there is any truth to any of this?

[Duck_Duck_Goose]

Ask Unc.

Who are the Black Irish?

The wildest notion is that black hair is evidence of Spaniards marooned in Ireland following the wreck of the Armada. But as we discussed in this column long ago, the number of shipwrecked Spanish sailors who remained in Ireland for any length of time was trivial.

Ireland, Scotland, England. [shrug] Sounds like Unc would say it’s not likely.

[Dave_Stewart]

Ah, thanks.

[Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker]

Well, I think I’ve found at least one. I see her on TV all the time: “Call me now!” “What are ya waitin’ fee?”