Blue Plaque: Salvador de Madariaga

3 St Andrew's Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DL, UK

Salvador de Madariaga y Rojo (1886–1978) was a distinguished Spanish diplomat, writer, and historian, renowned for his contributions to liberal thought and European integration. Born in A Coruña, Spain, he initially pursued engineering studies in Paris, adhering to his father's wishes. However, his passion for literature and politics led him to abandon engineering in favor of journalism and writing. (britannica.com)

In 1921, Madariaga joined the Secretariat of the League of Nations in Geneva, where he became head of the disarmament section the following year. His tenure at the League was marked by his strong advocacy for peace and international cooperation. In 1928, he was appointed Professor of Spanish Studies at the University of Oxford, a position he held until 1931. During this period, he authored "Englishmen, Frenchmen, Spaniards," an essay exploring national psychology. (en.wikipedia.org)

Following the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, Madariaga served as Spain's ambassador to the United States and later to France. He was also Spain's permanent delegate to the League of Nations from 1931 to 1936. The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 prompted his resignation and subsequent exile to England, where he became a vocal opponent of Francisco Franco's regime. (britannica.com)

In 1947, Madariaga co-authored the Oxford Manifesto, outlining the principles of the Liberal International, and in 1949, he co-founded the College of Europe, an institution dedicated to European integration. His literary works encompass essays, novels, and poetry, with notable titles including "The Rise and Fall of the Spanish American Empire" and "Bolívar." He was awarded the Charlemagne Prize in 1973 for his efforts toward European unity and peace. (en.wikipedia.org)

Madariaga resided at 3 St Andrew's Road in Headington, Oxford, for 35 years, from 1942 until his departure in 1970. In 2011, a blue plaque was unveiled at this location to commemorate his life and contributions. The plaque was unveiled by his daughter, Isabel de Madariaga, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Oxford and members of the Madariaga family. (exeter.ox.ac.uk)

Salvador de Madariaga passed away on December 14, 1978, in Locarno, Switzerland. His legacy endures through his extensive writings and his unwavering commitment to liberal values and European unity.