The Huguenots in Later Stuart Britain: Volume III: The Huguenots and the Defeat of Louis XIV's France

The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 led to the largest concentration of Huguenot refugees in Britain, which played a central role in France's economic woes and Louis XIV's eventual defeat. This volume shows that the refugees helped pave the way for William III's success in England in 1688 and the consolidation of his power. The book establishes three key conclusions: the importance of the refugees in relation to the Glorious Revolution in England, the vital contribution of Huguenot soldiers in Ireland, and the close connections between the French Church of London and the foundation of the Bank of England.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which took place within France but had far-reaching consequences throughout Europe, is a significant historical event. This was particularly true in Britain, where by 1700, the home of the largest concentration of Huguenot refugees. Recent historians have often downplayed the role of religious persecution in the economic and political decline of France from the 1680s. However, this book challenges that notion and demonstrates that the refugees played a central role in France's economic woes and Louis XIV's eventual defeat.

The book makes three key conclusions based on a diverse range of primary sources. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of the Huguenot refugees in relation to the Glorious Revolution in England. The refugees' contributions played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of England and ultimately led to the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a Protestant monarchy. Secondly, the book highlights the vital role of Huguenot soldiers in Ireland, particularly at the Battle of Aughrim in 1691. This battle was a defining moment in the Irish wars, and Huguenot soldiers played a significant role in securing victory for the Protestant forces. Their bravery and skill in battle were instrumental in paving the way for further English successes in Ireland. Thirdly, the book emphasizes the close connections between the French Church of London at Threadneedle Street and the foundation of the Bank of England in 1694. The Bank of England's survival through its early years was closely linked to the support and influence of the French Church, which provided financial and diplomatic assistance to the fledgling institution.

Without the persecutions in France, William III's near-bloodless invasion of England in 1688 would not have been possible. The invasion led to the formation of a coalition that Louis XIV could not easily dominate, marking a significant turning point in the English Civil Wars. Furthermore, William's subsequent military and financial successes allowed him to check Louis XIV and establish the foundations for later English successes. Louis XIV's treatment of the Huguenots was fundamental to his eventual defeat and to Britain's rising power in the early eighteenth century.

In conclusion, this book provides a fresh perspective on the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and its impact on France, Britain, and Europe. It demonstrates that the refugees played a central role in shaping historical events and that their contributions were far more significant than previously thought. The book's insights into the role of religious persecution, the Huguenot soldiers' contributions in Ireland, and the close connections between the French Church and the Bank of England are valuable contributions to our understanding of the past.

Weight: 876g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845196202