London and the Huguenots

An opportunity and life line from oppressive laws and persecution, gifted by King Charles II. London was the save haven to the asylum seeking Huguenots of France.

Between 1670 - 1710 it has been estimated 40000-50000 Huguenots settled in England with around just over half of this number settling in the Capital London.

The vast majority of the Huguenots settled in the area of Spitalfields which was the fringe between arable farming land and the densely populated capital.

The religious refugees didn't plan their immigration, the migration happened as soon as the opportunity was given. Huguenots with a trade such as weavers were able to flee France whereas Huguenots who had their wealth and livelihood in assets such as Land or Property couldn't leave France.

The economy of the area rocketed as the settlers industry thrived. The increase in supply and availability of Silk impacted the fashion of the upper class as more styles that incorporated foreign influence along with a wider range materials to use.The most successful Huguenots issued grand houses in Spitalfields to be constructed, these building were be multipurpose, serving as a home for the families and the weavers they had employed. One distinctive characteristic of the buildings are the oversized windows on the top floor, this addition to the property would increase productivity as the windows let in maximum light for the weavers.

With time the silk industry declined as the wages of the weavers were reduced by the income tax Parliament implemented to increase the funds for warfare with France.The environment of the area changed harshly as this once prosperous area of London became poverty stricken, cheap houses were constructed on every available part of land and the working conditions were diabolical, the area was labeled as overcrowded and unsanitary.

Many Huguenots moved out of London favouring more rural and suburban areas that didn't face the the same level of poverty. In todays Spitalfields, there is still visible trace of the Huguenots, through elegant houses, chapels and churches and street names.

It is said that 90% of the south east and 25% of London has Huguenot ancestry. In my ancestry i certainly do as i come from Kent (south east) and have French relatives from northern France.