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The 2015 Huguenot Festival is underway and the bookings are looking good – thank you for your support.
Since our last newsletter there have been several additions and alterations to publicised events. All amendments to the program will be listed on our 'Huguenot Summer Updates' page and of course our Huguenot Summer Events page has all the latest details.
The Huguenot Society is sponsoring five lectures to take place at Hanbury Hall – all topics are in response to your requests.
Our venue, Hanbury Hall in Spitalfields, has an illustrious history. Built in 1719 as a French Huguenot church, La Patente church moved into the building in 1740. Their plaque of the Royal Arms, signifying the patent granted by James II, is still mounted in the hall.
In its time, Hanbury Hall has been a German Lutheran then a Baptist church. John Wesley preached here and Charles Dickens gave public readings of his work here. In 1888 it hosted meetings for the famous London Matchgirls’ strike, a key moment in the development of trade unions in Britain. Bought by Christ Church in 1864, the building was converted for use as their church hall.
Following major refurbishment, Hanbury Hall now takes on a new lease of life, renovated and with flats above. We hope to meet you there.
Tuesday 9th June, 7pm: The Royal Silk of Spitalfields
Kate Wigley, of the Warner Archive in Braintree, will talk about the Royal Silks woven in Spitalfields. This archive, the second largest collection of textiles in Britain, holds the most exquisite range of fabrics in stunning colours and diverse patterns, many of which were made in Spitalfields.
Monday 22nd June, 1pm: There was a Priest, a Rabbi and an Iman,
An exploration of the importance of religion in the lives of immigrants by Professor Anne Kershen. A fascinating insight into the rich history of immigration in Spitalfields.
Thursday 2nd July, 7pm: Human Remains at Christ Church
Dr Margaret Clegg, of University College London, will tell the story of the excavations in the Crypt of Christ Church; one of the most important collections of human remains in the world. She will update us on research still being carried out.
Monday 6th July, 7pm: Spitalfields Roman Excavations
Jelena Bekvalac will share her wonderful experience of being on site during the extensive excavation of human skeletal remains on the site of Spitalfields Market. Come and hear about Spitalfields before the Huguenots.
Thursday 9th July, 7pm: John Calvin and the Christian Life
The theology of the Huguenots was largely taken from John Calvin – the most significant French Protestant of the 16th century. Dr Graham Tomlin will explore the remarkable impact of Calvin’s thinking on so many people. Come and learn more.
Tickets: £8 (concs £6)
To book: www.huguenotsummer.eventbrite.co.uk
Hanbury Hall is on Hanbury Street (22 Hanbury Street E1 6QR), which runs parallel to Fournier Street. For a map of where to locate Hanbury Hall click here.
Huguenot Conference and trip to Boughton House
There are still a few coach seats left if you would like to visit Boughton House, Kettering, to see the Duke of Buccleuch’s Special Huguenot Exhibition Summer 2015 on 9th September. For full information about this and the Huguenot Society International Conference, contact conference@huguenotsociety.org.uk
For more information on the day visits, Huguenot Footsteps Walks and other events, or any difficulty in booking for festival seats just email info@huguenotsofspitalfields.org |
