Northampton Town of Sanctuary (NToS) was invited to attend the ‘thank you’ event for the upcoming exhibition of refugee heritage of the Bouverie family – the last family to own 22nd of January 2025. This explores the rich history of the Huguenot refugees through the aid of researcher volunteers unfolding these stories.
NToS Chair Nick Allen delivering his speech at the event
NToS Secretary Cllr Danielle Stone and NToS Chair Nick Allen were both present at the Victorian Tea Party to represent the sanctuary movement and the culture of welcome in Northampton.
Attached below is the speech delivered by Nick Allen during the event:
“Good evening everyone. My name is Nick Allen and alongside my post as Executive Officer at the University of Northampton, I am a Trustee and Chair of Northampton Town of Sanctuary, Northamptonshire’s only dedicated charity supporting asylum seekers and refugees.
Northampton Town of Sanctuary was formed in 2015 and is proud to work alongside a range of organisations in the town to support the integration of migrants who have sought sanctuary in the UK because they come from countries where they are unable to live safely because they fear persecution. This includes a range of countries and most recently included Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Our success as a charity has led to a £250,000 National Lottery grant which is supporting the opening of new premises in Northampton town centre which will act as an information and advice centre providing a safe space for sanctuary seekers. We look forward to announcing the location shortly.
Delapré Abbey and Northampton Town of Sanctuary have had a very long standing and fruitful relationship. Our service users have used the Abbey and its grounds for activities we have organised and the Abbey also acts as our venue for meetings. We are very grateful for the Abbey’s support, and particularly Eleanor Sier, who manages this relationship and look forward to this connection continuing and blossoming as the Abbey joins becomes a formal Place of Sanctuary.
Back to the subject of this event. It is a pleasure to stand before you here today as we celebrate the Bouverie family and speak about people whose courage, resilience and faith have left an indelible mark on history – the Huguenots. Their story is one of perseverance in the face of persecution and innovation in exile.
For those unaware, the term ‘Huguenot’ refers to French Protestants who emerged during the 16th century as followers of John Calvin’s Reformation theology. They represented a wave of reform sweeping across Europe, challenging the established Catholic Church and advocating for a return to biblical simplicity and personal faith.
In predominantly Catholic France, their rise was met with both admiration and resistance. By the mid-1500s, the Huguenots had become a significant minority, numbering as many as two million. They included skilled artisans, merchants, and intellectuals, and their presence became a catalyst for profound social and religious changes.
However, this burgeoning movement faced harsh opposition. France became the epicentre of a series of bloody conflicts known as the French Wars of Religion, which spanned from 1562 to 1598. These wars pitted Huguenots against Catholics, fuelled by political power struggles as much as religious differences.
One of the darkest episodes in this period was the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in 1572. Over several weeks, thousands of Huguenots were slaughtered across France, leaving an indelible scar on the collective memory of this community.
The conflict reached a tenuous resolution with the Edict of Nantes in 1598, issued by French King Henry IV—a former Huguenot himself. This edict granted the Huguenots limited religious freedoms and civil rights, but the peace was fragile and short-lived.
In 1685, Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes through the Edict of Fontainebleau, initiating a wave of severe persecution. Churches were destroyed, Protestant worship was banned and Huguenots faced imprisonment, forced conversions or death.
As a result, hundreds of thousands of Huguenots fled France, seeking refuge in Protestant-friendly nations such as England.
In exile, the Huguenots thrived. Their industriousness, discipline and skills made significant contributions to the countries that welcomed them. They became influential in banking, commerce, crafts and the arts. In England, they revitalised industries such as silk weaving.
The diaspora’s cultural impact is evident in their traditions, architectural styles, and even surnames that continue to bear witness to their presence.
The legacy of the Huguenots extends beyond their material contributions. They symbolise the universal struggles for religious freedom and human dignity. Their story reminds us of the costs of intolerance and the enduring strength of faith and conviction.
Today, descendants of the Huguenots, such as the Bouveries, and those who admire their history honour their memory through organisations, museums and annual commemorations. This film, kindly supported by the Association of Independent Museums and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is one such demonstration.
As we reflect on the history of the Huguenots, let us draw inspiration from their resilience and resolve. Their journey, though marked by suffering, is a testament to the enduring power of belief, the importance of tolerance and the human capacity to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
There are many parallels with the contribution of the Huguenots and the rich tapestry of other forms of migration that has shaped Northampton into the vibrant community it is today. From medieval artisans to contemporary professionals, migrants have continually contributed to the town’s economic, cultural and social development.
Historical records indicate that between 1330 and 1550, England, including towns like Northampton, were home to a diverse immigrant population. These early migrants, often skilled craftsmen and traders, played a pivotal role in the local economy, introducing new skills and trades that enriched the community.
The 19th century marked a period of significant industrial expansion in Northampton, particularly in the shoe and leather industries. This growth attracted workers from various regions, including Ireland. Irish migrants were instrumental in the construction of major infrastructure projects and their labour was vital to the town’s industrial success.
Following World War II, Northampton, like much of the UK, experienced an influx of migrants from the Caribbean, known as the Windrush Generation. These individuals were invited to help rebuild the nation and filled essential roles in public services and industries. Their cultural contributions have had a lasting impact on the town’s social fabric.
In recent decades, Northampton has seen a rise in migration from Eastern Europe, particularly following the enlargement of the European Union. These migrants have contributed to various sectors, including construction, healthcare and retail, further diversifying the local economy and culture.
But we must recognise that the experiences faced by migrants continues to be challenging.
Last summer’s protests drew attention to the ongoing pressures charities like ours face in order to support the effective integration of those seeking sanctuary.
But in the meantime, the history of migrants in Northampton is a testament to the town’s openness and adaptability. Each wave of migration has brought new skills, cultures and perspectives, contributing to the town’s resilience and vibrancy.
This exhibition demonstrates the importance of migrants to our community but also opens up to new visitors the significant contribution independent museums make to wider society.
As we reflect on this history – of the Huguenots and all migrants – let us celebrate the diverse communities that have shaped Northampton and continue to work towards an inclusive future for all its residents and celebrate this exhibition and the new visitors to the Abbey wishing to find out more. Thank you.”
