Group    From 1500  To 1800

The Huguenots

Categories: Religion

Countries: France

French Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries. The name emerged in 1560 but its derivation is unknown. The faith attracted skilled city workers such as weavers, goldsmiths and fan-makers but persecution tended to be their lot; the pictures shows the 1572 St Bartholomew Day's massacre when almost 6,000 were killed.  

The 1598 Edict of Nantes established Roman Catholicism as the religion of France but set reasonably acceptable terms for non-Catholics, such as the Huguenots. But over time conditions for them became harsher.

1685 King Louis XIV gave them the choice of conversion (to Catholicism) or prison. Some found a third option and relocated to London, bringing their skills and establishing, mainly in the East End, thriving industries in silk, lace, weaving, fan-making, etc.

Spitalfields Life has a post tying together the Hugeunots of Soho.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
The Huguenots

Commemorated ati

French hospital

Site of the French hospital founded by royal charter in 1718 to house the poo...

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French Protestant Church - Soho Square

To the glory of God & in grateful memory of H. M. King Edward VI who by h...

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Hanbury Hall - blue oval plaque

This plaque has a shortened version of the text on the old white plaque.

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Hanbury Hall - tiled plaque

These 20 Delft tiles are decorated with scenes and symbols important in Hugue...

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Hanbury Hall - white plaque - removed

Christ Church Hall Built in 1719 as a French Hugeonot {sic} church it stood b...

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Rev. Alfred M. Myers

Rev. Alfred M. Myers

Vicar of All Saints, Stonebridge/Haggerston  in 1858.

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Rev. F. W. Briggs

Rev. F. W. Briggs

1841 an assistant chaplain in Madras, India. Vicar at St Matthias from at least 1883 until 1896 when he was promoted away.

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Mrs Onslow

Mrs Onslow

Connected to the Salvation Army Citadel, Ronalds Road in 1890.

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Dean Colet

Dean Colet

John Colet was the only surviving child of the 22 that his mother bore. Founded St Paul's School in 1509. Churchman and educational pioneer. Born London, son of a Lord Mayor whose wealth he inherit...

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Savoy Declaration

Savoy Declaration

Full title: A Declaration of the Faith and Order owned and practiced in the Congregational Churches in England. This was drawn up at the Savoy Assembly where representatives of over 100 independent...

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Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens

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Red Cross Street

Red Cross Street

Used to run from the Beech Street / Golden Lane junction, where there was a red cross, due south to St Giles Cripplegate at Fore Street.   Londonist have found a map that shows the Barbican overlai...

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1 memorial