Oxfordshire and the Spanish Civil War 1936-39: an illustrated talk by local historian Liz Woolley

Submitted by Liz Woolley on April 27, 2017 - 13:43

Venue, Timing and Cost

Venue: 
St Matthew's Church, Grandpont, Oxford
Date(s): 
Friday, 12 May 2017
Timing: 
Doors open 6:45pm - 9:00pm, refreshments available; talk 7:15pm - 8:15pm
Cost: 
Free
No Other Way: Oxfordshire & the Spanish Civil War 1939-36

In July 1936 right-wing army officers staged a coup against the democratically-elected government of Spain, prompting a three-year civil war. More than half a million died, the majority of them civilians, and the conflict became a tragic precursor to World War II. This talk tells the story of how the people of Oxfordshire responded to the Spanish Civil War. More than thirty went to Spain to fight or as doctors and nurses, whilst thousands more joined in fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns at home. Still others welcomed and housed hundreds of Basque refugees who had fled to Britain to escape the fighting. These events accompanied profound political changes, in Oxford in particular, and the uniting of ‘town’ and ‘gown’ in a popular front never seen before (and perhaps since) in the city. Copies of Liz's book 'No Other Way: Oxfordshire and the Spanish Civil War 1936-39' will be available to buy at £5 each.

Further Information

Contact Details: 

St Matthew’s Church, Marlborough Road, Grandpont, Oxford OX1 4LW, stmatzoxford@googlemail.com, 01865 798587.

Talk
Written and Spoken Word