The Huguenots: the almost-forgotten people

QFHS aims to bring together people who are interested in the study of genealogy, heraldry, and family and local history, and to assist and encourage members in their research. We also aim to encourage the preservation of historical records, to acquire and maintain a reference and research library, and to collect and preserve material relating to the families of the people of Queensland.Most of our speakers donate their time for the larger education benefit of our members. We are particularly grateful for the donation of time and effort from our own members. Their knowledge & expertise are valuable gifts to the Society and our members, and we thank them, one and all.The Q﻿FHS Privacy Policy is available at https://www.qfhs.org.au/media/8387/qfhs_privacy_policy.pdf

Queensland Family History Society Inc

The Huguenots were the Protestants of France. In the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, they suffered severe persecution in their homeland because they did not follow the Catholic faith. In 1685 King Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes, making it illegal to be a Protestant in France. At that time almost 200,000 Huguenots fled France to any country that would take them, principally Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, England, and Ireland. Some even got as far as the American colonies and South Africa. Everywhere they went they took their religious faith, their artisanal skills, and their work ethic. They contributed enormously to every country which welcomed them.
Although no Huguenot refugees ever came directly to Australia, since 1788 their descendants have come here, from all the lands previously mentioned. They have contributed to the arts, to business and manufacturing, to the military, and in many other ways. Famous Huguenot Australians include Charles La Trobe, the first governor of Victoria, General Sir Harry Chauvel, and the sportsmen Roy Cazaly and Marnus Labuschange. Many Australians have Huguenot ancestry, but are probably not aware of it. The Huguenot Society of Australia assists people to find more about Huguenot ancestors.
Our Speaker Robert Nash is descended from Huguenot silk weavers from Sedan in the Ardennes, who settled in Spitalfields in London's East End at the beginning of the 18th century. He was born in London but has lived in Australia for 30 years. 
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QFHS Library and Resource Centre

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