Exhibition: The Huguenot Legacy

The French Protestant followers of the influential French theologian John Calvin (1509 - 1564), are known today as 'Huguenots'. Calvin renounced Catholicism, the official religion of France, and encouraged others to do the same through his preaching and writing. It provoked a backlash against Protestantism.   Henry of Navarre, himself a Calvinist, but obliged to convert to Catholicism before acceding to the French throne in 1553, signed the Edict of Nantes in 1598 allowing freedom of worship and civil equality to Huguenots.   The edict was revoked in 1685 by staunchly Catholic King Louis XIV, and the persecution of the Huguenots began. Around 250,000 Huguenots fled from France to more liberal countries of Europe. Some 50,000 came to Britain and proceeded to enrich every facet of the nation's life: their reinvigorating influence was felt in the worlds of the arts, crafts, commerce and industry.   The Huguenots' contribution to banking in Britain was also remarkable. The first Governor of the Bank of England, Sir John Houblon, and several of its Directors, were of Huguenot origin. This exhibition celebrates the achievements of the Huguenots and their early connection with the Bank.