Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
C1500–c1700: Migration in early modern England - 3 Case studies ● Sandwich…
Full specification wording
Option 13: c1500–c1700: Migration in early modern England - 3 Case studies ● Sandwich and Canterbury in the sixteenth century: the experiences of Flemish and Walloon migrants and their role in the local economy.: The experience of Huguenots in seventeenth century England.
The Huguenots, French Protestants fleeing persecution after the 1685 Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, experienced a largely welcoming reception in seventeenth-century England.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Huguenots, French Protestants fleeing persecution after the 1685 Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, experienced a largely welcoming reception in seventeenth-century England. Their experience was defined by successful integration and significant economic contribution. Settling primarily in London (notably Spitalfields), Canterbury, and Norwich, they established thriving communities. The Huguenots were highly skilled, bringing expertise in silk weaving, silversmithing, and clockmaking, which boosted the English economy. While they faced some initial xenophobia and economic jealousy from local guilds, their shared Protestant faith with the English majority and the economic benefits they brought facilitated their rapid assimilation into society.
What earns the marks
- Identify the reasons for Huguenot migration, primarily religious persecution in France.
- Describe the geographical settlement patterns of Huguenots, focusing on areas like Spitalfields in London.
- Explain the economic contributions of the Huguenots, particularly in skilled trades like silk weaving and silversmithing.
- Discuss the reception of the Huguenots by the English, noting the role of shared Protestantism in their acceptance.
- Analyse the challenges they faced, such as economic rivalry with local English artisans and guilds.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing Huguenots with other migrant groups like the Flemish weavers.
Put it right: Specify that Huguenots were French Protestants arriving mainly in the late seventeenth century.
Assuming the Huguenots faced universal hostility.
Put it right: Acknowledge that while there was some economic jealousy, their shared Protestant faith led to a generally positive reception.
Failing to mention specific industries.
Put it right: Explicitly name silk weaving, clockmaking, or silversmithing when discussing their economic impact.
Exam tips
- Use Spitalfields as a concrete case study to illustrate the Huguenot experience and their impact on local industry.
- Emphasise the connection between religion and migration, explaining how being Protestant helped the Huguenots integrate into English society.
- Contrast the experience of the Huguenots with other migrant groups to highlight the importance of skills and religion in determining reception.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 13: c1500–c1700: Migration in early modern England - 3 Case studies ● Sandwich and Canterbury in the sixteenth century: the experiences of Flemish and Walloon migrants and their role in the local economy.: The experience of Huguenots in seventeenth century England. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was a significant feature of the experience of Huguenot migrants in seventeenth-century England?
Listen
The Huguenots, French Protestants fleeing persecution after the 1685 Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, experienced a largely welcoming reception in seventeenth-century England. Their experience was defined by successful integration and significant economic contribution. Settling primarily in London (notably Spitalfields), Canterbury, and Norwich, they established thriving communities. The Huguenots were highly skilled, bringing expertise in silk weaving, silversmithing, and clockmaking, which boosted the English economy. While they faced some initial xenophobia and economic jealousy from local guilds, their shared Protestant faith with the English majority and the economic benefits they brought facilitated their rapid assimilation into society. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the reasons for Huguenot migration, primarily religious persecution in France. Describe the geographical settlement patterns of Huguenots, focusing on areas like Spitalfields in London. Explain the economic contributions of the Huguenots, particularly in skilled trades like silk weaving and silversmithing. Discuss the reception of the Huguenots by the English, noting the role of shared Protestantism in their acceptance. A common slip: Confusing Huguenots with other migrant groups like the Flemish weavers. Instead, specify that Huguenots were French Protestants arriving mainly in the late seventeenth century. Exam tip: Use Spitalfields as a concrete case study to illustrate the Huguenot experience and their impact on local industry.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Religious persecution and asylum
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Economic contribution and skill transfer
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Social integration and assimilation
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Community settlement patterns
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See every definition
- Religious persecution and asylum
- The Huguenots were French Protestants fleeing persecution after the 1685 Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
- Economic contribution and skill transfer
- The Huguenots were highly skilled, bringing expertise in silk weaving, silversmithing and clockmaking, which boosted the English economy.
- Social integration and assimilation
- Their shared Protestant faith with the English majority and the economic benefits they brought facilitated their rapid assimilation into society.
- Community settlement patterns
- They settled primarily in London, notably Spitalfields, as well as Canterbury and Norwich, where they established thriving communities.
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