The Instituto Cervantes in London is delighted to welcome Dr Gregorio Alonso (University of Leeds), Dr Jesús Sanjurjo (University of Cambridge) and Prof Catherine Davies (University of London) to explore ‘The Great Spanish Exile of 1823’. They will discuss this important event in Spanish history, which marked a period of political upheaval and the forced departure of many liberal and progressive Spaniards, either by choice or out of necessity to avoid political persecution.
After close collaboration between Britain and the Spanish authorities since 1808, the French occupation decreed by the Holy Alliance destroyed the liberal experience in September 1823. At least a thousand Spanish families then sought refuge in London.
In the English capital, most of them lived in the suburb of Somers Town, in the area of Euston-Saint Pancras, where a tightly knit community developed quickly. The majority of the refugees were military officers, but also among them were noted intellectuals, politicians, and skilled workers. Many were highly educated and put their minds to writing, translating, and publishing to make a living.
Some of the most prominent Liberal politicians and essayists of the time actively participated in a wave of new intellectual activity catalyzed by London’s vibrant political and cultural life. London became a central hub for Spanish-speaking intellectuals from Spain and the Americas during this time.
Event copresented by the Embassy of Spain to The United Kingdom and the Instituto Cervantes London.
