Hollande Scraps New History Museum
I also wondered why you see so many French kids and their teachers in the Imperial War Museum. The answers are here in this article in the Daily Mail about the scrapping of France’s new historical museum by President Hollande.
Basically, they don’t have one, and as our museums are free to entry, they just get on the Eurostar and go visit.
As someone of part-Huguenot descent, I would like to learn more about why my ancestors came to London in the mid-eighteenth century. Typical of most in the UK and even those with Huguenot descent, I know little of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.
But that seems to be just one of the arguments that have scuppered the project.
But as the Mail says, other countries with chequered history including ourselves have museums that tell of that past. We have a Museum of Slavery in Liverpool. Do the French have one? I don’t think so, but they are trying to set one up in Nantes.
The Anonymous Widower 
I remember standing outside the church of St Germaine d’Auxerroise across from Louvre and hearing the evening Angelus ring from it, knowing it was the same Angelus, ringing from the same bell, which started the massacre. Sadly it wasnt on the actual anniversary, it was a couple of weeks earlier. But as someone with Huguenot descent, it was very moving to hear it.
Comment by Liz P | January 6, 2013 |
The only Huguenot museum, I’ve ever seen was in South Africa.
Comment by AnonW | January 6, 2013 |
There is a small Huguenot Museum in Rochester attached to La Residence. I visited recently and found it fascinating. You don’t have to be a Huguenot to join the Huguenot Society but it is an organisation with a fascinating history. Jan leeming
Comment by Jan Leeming | May 31, 2014 |
It’s on my list of places to visit. I shall probably go in the next few weeks.
i learned most about the Huguenots from a museum in South Africa.
Comment by AnonW | May 31, 2014
There are a few about, there is one in Paris at L’oratoire de Louvre, literally opposite Louvre. It is actually a Protestant church, but apparently has Huguenot related artefacts, however, it is closed in August and so we couldnt go inside it. There are various places in UK with strong links as well, many of the recrods are kept in John Rylands Library on Deansgate in Manchester, I have spent quite a lot of time researching them.
Comment by Liz P | January 6, 2013 |
This seems such a shame because France has many things in its history to celebrate, and even a controversial history needs to be remembered and taught.
Comment by theculturegirl | January 6, 2013 |
i would agree. I live in an area of London with Huguenot connections, as well as my mother being descended from a male Huguenot line. It appears that quite a few French are not settling in this part of London, due to better opportunities here. History is repeating itself! But then London is riddled with history and it’s all there if you look.
Comment by AnonW | January 6, 2013 |
Thanks Jan – 30 years ago, before I knew anything at all about my family history and Huguenot links, we lived in Chatham and I used to pass The French Hospital often when shopping in Rochester, but never went in. One of our daughters is now in Kent, so perhaps it is worth a visit.
Comment by Liz Parkinson | May 31, 2014 |