After fleeing religious persecution in France in the late seventeenth century, many Huguenots settled in the land of France’s Protestant enemy, Britain. These French refugees came from a variety of backgrounds, from aristocrats to labourers and craftsmen. A number were already armigerous and some sought approval from a British jurisdiction.
Like many refugee communities, the Huguenots were hard-working and quick to integrate themselves into British society; some achieved very prominent ranks which led to subsequent granting of arms.
This lecture looks at Huguenots, their descendants, and their use of armorial bearings, (both with and without authority).
