Comments on: So Long, Huguenots Of Spitalfields

By: Katja Anderson

Katja Anderson — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:59:12 +0000

Absolutely fascinating! My Huguenot ancestors ended up in New Amsterdam and Virginia, but as one branch of the family lived in London for a generation or two before sailing for the New World, I couldn’t help but find this post particularly interesting. (Needless to say, your posts are ALWAYS interesting!) Thank you for sharing not only the information, but the wonderful photos!

By: Huguenot Jo

Huguenot Jo — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 16:10:10 +0000

Like others, I’m so saddened by the closure of Huguenots of Spitalfields. My debt to Charlie de Wet is incredible: she made all the events such fun.

I hope the website will remain accessible; it’s such a great resource, and so much beautiful work has gone in to it.

Devastated.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:41:22 +0000

Oh this is not the news I wanted to hear GA. How very sad. It seems the world is changing at a much quicker pace.

By: Elizabeth Olson

Elizabeth Olson — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 16:34:31 +0000

Bonjour GA: Yes! It would indeed be wonderful to have a recording of your blog course and I would gladly pay. I too had always thought I would be able to attend by now. But alas, we are stuck on Vancouver Island and armchair travelling, although London double-deckers do pass by in front of our home on a regular basis.

By: Pauline Taylor

Pauline Taylor — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:15:34 +0000

Thank you to Helen Breen. There is so much fascinating history regarding all the French and Flemish people who took refuge here and I enjoy the research so much. I am glad that you read my account which is just a small sample of all that I have learnt.

Merci a vous !

By: paul loften

paul loften — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:03:49 +0000

“The Huguenots were religious refugees, all they needed to do to stop the persecution in France was to sign a piece of paper that acknowledged the errors of John Calvin and turn up at church each Sunday. ” So they ended up in Spitalfields which was a haven of refuge not only for them but their descendants.
My father once told me that far back in our family history his ancestors came from Spain. All they had to do was renounce their Jewish faith to prevent being tortured and attend a church . Somehow they ended up in Poland or Russia I don’t know how because the family name changed so many times its impossible for me to track the journey. Then from there came to Spitalfields which was a haven of refuge not only for them but their descendants.

I wonder if you could award a special honour to a location for its service to humanity ?

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 13:36:04 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, thanks for the review of the Huguenot settlement in Spitalsfields and for the great pics of their legacy in London that remain to this day. Tres interesting.

Pauline, merci for sharing that account of your Huguenot ancestors – good work!

By: Linda Granfield

Linda Granfield — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 13:24:49 +0000

Dear GA–I’m sorry to read that there will no longer be “How To Write A Blog…” courses. Sometimes, living in Toronto, Canada has its downsides–I couldn’t join you in a classroom and always hoped I would be able to, until the pandemic hit.

That said, would you consider recording your last session and making it available (for a fee, of course) for virtual attendance any time, anywhere, around the world?

Future students, like myself, will miss the lovely lunch, etc, but we will have the opportunity to make our writing as informative and entertaining as yours. Please consider this request, and enjoy next week’s last meeting.

By: juliet shipman

juliet shipman — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 13:14:04 +0000

It is so sad to learn of the Huguenot Society’s demise. I loved their program of walks, talks and fascinating events. It is indeed a sad sad loss. I do hope the events can be continued elsewhere under another organisation’s wing.

By: Ann S

Ann S — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 13:12:23 +0000

Saddened to hear of the closure. The organisation has contributed invaluable knowledge to the history of these people and the area.
Another fascinating article. My Spitalfields ancestors were Dutch Jews who arrived from Amsterdam sometime around the mid 1860s. Their first child was born at Leman Street in 1866. They were poor cigar makers. Beyond census evidence, I haven’t found out much about them.