Basque Heritage
From the mountains of Euskadi to the heart of England, our family's journey spans generations and borders.
A story of chocolate factories, freedom fighters, and a journey from the Basque Country to England
The Lewis family story is woven from courage, enterprise, and an unbreakable bond across borders.
From the mountains of Euskadi to the heart of England, our family's journey spans generations and borders.
A family chocolate business in Bilbao, established 1884. The sweet thread connecting our past to our present.
José Antonio Aguirre, first President of the Basque Country, stands in our family line — a legacy of courage and conviction.
This site preserves and celebrates the Lewis family history — a remarkable tale that connects British roots with Basque heritage, chocolate factories with political courage, and wartime refugees with a new life in Britain.
Through the story of Aurora Garcia, who came from the Basque Country to England, we trace a line back to the Aguirre family of Bilbao — to their chocolate factory on Travesía de Tíboli, to José Antonio Aguirre's presidency, and to the extraordinary events of the Spanish Civil War.
Every family has a story. This is ours.
“The Basque people would make the greatest sacrifices with serene spirit and tranquil conscience.”
— José Antonio Aguirre, First Lehendakari
Do you have stories, photos, or documents to share?
Help Us Fill In The Gaps →The full story — from Bilbao to Bournemouth, from chocolate to politics, from war to refuge.
An interactive family tree visualisation connecting five generations across two countries.
Share your stories, photos, and memories to help fill in the gaps in our family history.