PETER STREET AND THE FRENCH PETERS
PETER STREET AND THE FRENCH PETERS [THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA IS LOCATED HERE]
The French Peters of Dublin: Arrival, History, and Legacy on Peter Street
The term "French Peters" refers to the Huguenot community, who were French Protestant refugees seeking asylum in Ireland. Their presence, particularly the history of their church and cemetery on Peter Street, forms a compelling narrative of migration, religious persecution, and lasting societal contributions. This report will explore the arrival of these French Protestants in Ireland, the history associated with their presence on Peter Street, and their broader legacy within Dublin and the wider Irish landscape.
The story of the French Peters in Ireland is intrinsically linked to the Huguenot exodus from France, primarily following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. This pivotal act by Louis XIV rescinded the earlier guarantee of religious freedom for Protestants in France, leading to widespread and severe persecution. Faced with the choice of converting to Catholicism or enduring imprisonment, torture, or even death, thousands of Huguenots chose to flee their homeland, seeking refuge in Protestant-majority countries across Europe. While the revocation in 1685 marked the most significant wave of migration, smaller numbers of Huguenots had already made their way to Ireland throughout the 17th century, often via England or in connection with events such as Cromwell's campaigns.
Ireland became a notable destination for these refugees due to a confluence of factors. The Irish government, along with prominent figures like the Duke of Ormonde, actively encouraged their settlement.
Recognising the skills and entrepreneurial spirit of the Huguenots, the authorities saw an opportunity to revitalise the Irish economy by attracting skilled Protestant artisans and merchants. Legislation such as the 1662 Act for encouraging Protestant Strangers to Inhabit Ireland offered incentives for settlement.
Furthermore, as a Protestant-ruled country, Ireland offered the Huguenots a haven where they could practice their religion without the fear of state-sponsored persecution that they had experienced in Catholic France. Consequently, significant Huguenot communities established themselves in Dublin and other key locations across Ireland, including Portarlington, Cork, Lisburn, and Waterford. Dublin, in particular, became a major centre for Huguenot life and activity.
Within Dublin, the Huguenot community established places of worship to serve their spiritual needs. Historical records indicate that reformed congregations, adhering to their Calvinist theological traditions, had meeting houses at various locations, including Peter Street in the south city. It is important to note that the Huguenot community in Dublin was not monolithic in its religious practice. Some congregations, known as Conformist, adopted the liturgy of the established Church of Ireland, while others, referred to as Non-Conformist, retained their own distinct forms of worship. The church on Peter Street belonged to the Non-Conformist tradition , as evidenced by historical records referring to the "Registers of the French Non-Conformist Churches of Lucy Lane and Peter Street, Dublin".
Associated with this Non-Conformist church on Peter Street was a burial ground that became a significant sanctuary for the deceased members of the community. This site was commonly known as the Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street or French Peter's Cemetery. Historical accounts suggest that this cemetery was established in 1711, providing a dedicated resting place for French Protestants in Dublin and their descendants. Interments continued at this site for over a century and a half, with the last known burial taking place in 1879.
The Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street, while serving a vital purpose for the community, was a relatively small plot of land, measuring approximately 64 feet by 110 feet. Despite its modest size, it is estimated that between 250 and 300 Huguenots were buried there, highlighting the importance of this space for the Dublin community.
Fortunately for historical research, registers of the French Non-Conformist Churches in Dublin, including those for Peter Street, have survived for certain periods. These records cover baptisms, marriages, and deaths/burials, with specific registers existing for the years 1701-1731 and 1771-1831. Notably, there is a gap in these records between 1731 and 1771. While no further burials occurred after 1879, the graveyard was never officially closed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1924, an arrangement was made between the trustees of the graveyard and the neighbouring Jacob's Biscuit factory. Under this agreement, Jacob's was permitted to use the graveyard as a recreation ground for their employees. As part of this arrangement, any existing gravestones were removed from their original positions and placed along the walls of the cemetery , resulting in the graves becoming unmarked. This arrangement also indicates Jacob's long-term interest in the property.
The eventual closure of the Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street came about due to the expansion needs of Jacob's Biscuit factory, which directly adjoined the burial ground. The trustees of the graveyard eventually agreed to sell the land to Jacob's to facilitate this expansion. To formalise the closure of the burial ground and the transfer of ownership, the Irish government enacted "The Huguenot Cemetery Dublin (Peter Street) Act, 1966". This Act specifically provided the legal framework for the closing of the cemetery and its vesting in W. & R. Jacob & Co., Limited. A key provision of the Act mandated the careful removal and respectful re-interment of the human remains buried in the Peter Street cemetery.
In accordance with the 1966 Act, the remains of the Huguenots buried in Peter Street were exhumed and subsequently re-interred in Mount Jerome Cemetery, located in Harold's Cross, Dublin. This relocation process took place in 1967. It is estimated that the remains of approximately 250 to 300 individuals were moved from the Peter Street cemetery to their new resting place in Mount Jerome. A memorial was erected at Mount Jerome to commemorate those who were moved from the Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street. Furthermore, a detailed list of names of those reinterred from the Reformed French Huguenot Cemetery (also known as French Peters Cemetery) to Mount Jerome Cemetery, along with their dates of death as inscribed on the memorial, is available. This list provides a valuable record of many of the individuals who were originally laid to rest on Peter Street. A selection of these names is provided below:
BARTHELMEY D'ARABIN 31 Jan. 1713
ANNE De LORTHE DANDRIEU 3 July 1713
ANNE De VASSINHAC DANDRIEU 18 Jan. 1714
Fils De PIERRE RIOUSET 13 May 1721
LA VEUVE De M. MELLE 27 May 1721
La Femme De M. PINAU 12 June 1721
LOUIS VAQUIEUX De JOUENNE 7 Oct. 1721
Fille De M. De. ST. MESMIN 8 Aug. 1721
JEANNE MOUNIER 8 April 1722
PIERRE LASSERRE 13 Feb. 1722
SIMON AUDOUIN 19 May 1722
MARIANNE De COMBE 27 July 1722
JEAN JAQUES LA BEAUME 23 Aug. 1722
ESTIENNE LAGET 31 Oct. 1722
ANNE BROCAS 22 Nov. 1722
MADELAINE LIGER 8 Dec. 1722
ISAAC DELHORTE 26 Dec. 1722
Enfant De M. BRUGUIERE 2 Jan. 1723
Fils De M. CAILLAUD 7 Jan. 1723
Enfant De M JEAN MARTIN 7 Jan. 1723
JEAN EMERY 25 Jan. 1723
Fils De M. JEAN LA COMBE 27 Jan. 1723
La Femme De M. JEAN BUEZ 10 June 1723
CHARLES De BOSLEROI 4 Dec. 1725
BARTHELEMI BALAGUIER, Ministre 27 Jan. 1725
PAUL VIROULEAU De La CAPELLE 27 Dec. 1724
Madam De La BRISSONIERE 18 June 1725
GASPARD GERMAIN 21 July 1725
DANIEL FORTAGNE FORTANIER 11 Jan. 1726
JAQUES DEZOUCHE 16 Nov. 1728
JEAN LOUIS De COMBE 27 Feb. 1729
JUDITH LE DUC 31 Oct. 1728
PIERRE COMBE 12 March 1729
JEAN TESTAS 15 Oct. 1729
JEAN BARRY 25 Feb. 1730
DANIEL MARTIN 15 March 1730
MARTHE MARIE FREBOUL 24 March 1730
JEAN FAURE 7 May 1730
JEAN JAQUES COULON 31 May 1730
FRANCOISE MORIN 31 Aug. 1730
GABRIEL FARANGE 11 Sept. 1730
JACQUES MARTIN 13 Oct. 1730
JANE PETRY 12 Oct. 1730
La Femme De M. CHARLES GANBIER 27 Oct. 1730
JOSUE DU FAY DEXOUDUN Oct. 1930
THEODORE De La CAILLETIERE 13 Nov. 1730
JACOB BARRE 15 Nov. 1730
CHARLES De LOUPRE REBOUL 2 Feb. 1731
JANNE De VALADA BARBAT 19 March 1731
JOSUE ADAM 19 April 1731
Beyond the specific history of the church and cemetery on Peter Street, the Huguenot community left an indelible mark on the fabric of Dublin and Ireland. Their arrival brought with it a wealth of skills and entrepreneurial spirit that significantly boosted the Irish economy. They were particularly renowned for their expertise in various trades and industries, including weaving of high-quality textiles such as silk, poplin, and linen. The introduction and development of Irish poplin, a distinctive blend of silk and wool, is a particularly notable contribution attributed to the Huguenots. Beyond textiles, they also excelled in watchmaking, finance, bookselling, and sugar baking.
The influence of the Huguenots extended to Dublin's very urban landscape. Several prominent architects of Huguenot descent played a crucial role in shaping the city's architectural heritage. James Gandon, whose grandfather was a Huguenot refugee, designed iconic structures such as the Custom House, the Four Courts, and the Kings Inns. Similarly, Richard Cassells, also of Huguenot origin, was responsible for the design of Leinster House and the Rotunda Hospital, both significant landmarks in Dublin.
Many Huguenot families who settled in Dublin rose to prominence in Irish society, leaving a lasting legacy through their contributions in various fields. The La Touche family became synonymous with banking in Dublin, establishing a significant financial institution. The D'Olier family were notable goldsmiths and were also instrumental in the founding of the Bank of Ireland. The Maturin family produced notable figures in literature and the clergy , and Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu remains a celebrated writer of Huguenot descent. Furthermore, the enduring presence of the Huguenots in Dublin is reflected in the city's place names, with streets such as D'Olier Street, Fumbally Lane, French Street, and Mercer Street bearing names connected to prominent Huguenot individuals and communities.
While the cemetery on Peter Street holds a specific place in the history of the Dublin Huguenots, it was not their only burial ground in the city. Another significant site was the Huguenot Cemetery on Merrion Row, established in 1693. Earlier in their settlement, before dedicated cemeteries were established, Huguenots also buried their dead in the "Cabbage Patch" near St. Patrick's Cathedral and in Newmarket in the Liberties. These various burial locations underscore the presence and integration of the Huguenot community within different parts of Dublin over time.
In conclusion, the story of the French Peters of Dublin, centred on the French Protestant Church and Cemetery on Peter Street, is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Huguenot refugees who sought asylum in Ireland. Driven from their homeland by religious persecution, they established a vibrant community in Dublin, contributing significantly to the city's economic, social, and cultural development. While the physical presence of their church and cemetery on Peter Street has evolved over time, their legacy continues to be felt through the contributions of their descendants, the architectural landmarks they helped create, and the very names of the streets that weave through the city they came to call home.
The French Peters of Dublin: Arrival, History, and Legacy on Peter Street
The term "French Peters" refers to the Huguenot community, who were French Protestant refugees seeking asylum in Ireland. Their presence, particularly the history of their church and cemetery on Peter Street, forms a compelling narrative of migration, religious persecution, and lasting societal contributions. This report will explore the arrival of these French Protestants in Ireland, the history associated with their presence on Peter Street, and their broader legacy within Dublin and the wider Irish landscape.
The story of the French Peters in Ireland is intrinsically linked to the Huguenot exodus from France, primarily following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. This pivotal act by Louis XIV rescinded the earlier guarantee of religious freedom for Protestants in France, leading to widespread and severe persecution. Faced with the choice of converting to Catholicism or enduring imprisonment, torture, or even death, thousands of Huguenots chose to flee their homeland, seeking refuge in Protestant-majority countries across Europe. While the revocation in 1685 marked the most significant wave of migration, smaller numbers of Huguenots had already made their way to Ireland throughout the 17th century, often via England or in connection with events such as Cromwell's campaigns.
Ireland became a notable destination for these refugees due to a confluence of factors. The Irish government, along with prominent figures like the Duke of Ormonde, actively encouraged their settlement.
Recognising the skills and entrepreneurial spirit of the Huguenots, the authorities saw an opportunity to revitalise the Irish economy by attracting skilled Protestant artisans and merchants. Legislation such as the 1662 Act for encouraging Protestant Strangers to Inhabit Ireland offered incentives for settlement.
Furthermore, as a Protestant-ruled country, Ireland offered the Huguenots a haven where they could practice their religion without the fear of state-sponsored persecution that they had experienced in Catholic France. Consequently, significant Huguenot communities established themselves in Dublin and other key locations across Ireland, including Portarlington, Cork, Lisburn, and Waterford. Dublin, in particular, became a major centre for Huguenot life and activity.
Within Dublin, the Huguenot community established places of worship to serve their spiritual needs. Historical records indicate that reformed congregations, adhering to their Calvinist theological traditions, had meeting houses at various locations, including Peter Street in the south city. It is important to note that the Huguenot community in Dublin was not monolithic in its religious practice. Some congregations, known as Conformist, adopted the liturgy of the established Church of Ireland, while others, referred to as Non-Conformist, retained their own distinct forms of worship. The church on Peter Street belonged to the Non-Conformist tradition , as evidenced by historical records referring to the "Registers of the French Non-Conformist Churches of Lucy Lane and Peter Street, Dublin".
Associated with this Non-Conformist church on Peter Street was a burial ground that became a significant sanctuary for the deceased members of the community. This site was commonly known as the Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street or French Peter's Cemetery. Historical accounts suggest that this cemetery was established in 1711, providing a dedicated resting place for French Protestants in Dublin and their descendants. Interments continued at this site for over a century and a half, with the last known burial taking place in 1879.
The Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street, while serving a vital purpose for the community, was a relatively small plot of land, measuring approximately 64 feet by 110 feet. Despite its modest size, it is estimated that between 250 and 300 Huguenots were buried there, highlighting the importance of this space for the Dublin community.
Fortunately for historical research, registers of the French Non-Conformist Churches in Dublin, including those for Peter Street, have survived for certain periods. These records cover baptisms, marriages, and deaths/burials, with specific registers existing for the years 1701-1731 and 1771-1831. Notably, there is a gap in these records between 1731 and 1771. While no further burials occurred after 1879, the graveyard was never officially closed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1924, an arrangement was made between the trustees of the graveyard and the neighbouring Jacob's Biscuit factory. Under this agreement, Jacob's was permitted to use the graveyard as a recreation ground for their employees. As part of this arrangement, any existing gravestones were removed from their original positions and placed along the walls of the cemetery , resulting in the graves becoming unmarked. This arrangement also indicates Jacob's long-term interest in the property.
The eventual closure of the Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street came about due to the expansion needs of Jacob's Biscuit factory, which directly adjoined the burial ground. The trustees of the graveyard eventually agreed to sell the land to Jacob's to facilitate this expansion. To formalise the closure of the burial ground and the transfer of ownership, the Irish government enacted "The Huguenot Cemetery Dublin (Peter Street) Act, 1966". This Act specifically provided the legal framework for the closing of the cemetery and its vesting in W. & R. Jacob & Co., Limited. A key provision of the Act mandated the careful removal and respectful re-interment of the human remains buried in the Peter Street cemetery.
In accordance with the 1966 Act, the remains of the Huguenots buried in Peter Street were exhumed and subsequently re-interred in Mount Jerome Cemetery, located in Harold's Cross, Dublin. This relocation process took place in 1967. It is estimated that the remains of approximately 250 to 300 individuals were moved from the Peter Street cemetery to their new resting place in Mount Jerome. A memorial was erected at Mount Jerome to commemorate those who were moved from the Huguenot Cemetery on Peter Street. Furthermore, a detailed list of names of those reinterred from the Reformed French Huguenot Cemetery (also known as French Peters Cemetery) to Mount Jerome Cemetery, along with their dates of death as inscribed on the memorial, is available. This list provides a valuable record of many of the individuals who were originally laid to rest on Peter Street. A selection of these names is provided below:
BARTHELMEY D'ARABIN 31 Jan. 1713
ANNE De LORTHE DANDRIEU 3 July 1713
ANNE De VASSINHAC DANDRIEU 18 Jan. 1714
Fils De PIERRE RIOUSET 13 May 1721
LA VEUVE De M. MELLE 27 May 1721
La Femme De M. PINAU 12 June 1721
LOUIS VAQUIEUX De JOUENNE 7 Oct. 1721
Fille De M. De. ST. MESMIN 8 Aug. 1721
JEANNE MOUNIER 8 April 1722
PIERRE LASSERRE 13 Feb. 1722
SIMON AUDOUIN 19 May 1722
MARIANNE De COMBE 27 July 1722
JEAN JAQUES LA BEAUME 23 Aug. 1722
ESTIENNE LAGET 31 Oct. 1722
ANNE BROCAS 22 Nov. 1722
MADELAINE LIGER 8 Dec. 1722
ISAAC DELHORTE 26 Dec. 1722
Enfant De M. BRUGUIERE 2 Jan. 1723
Fils De M. CAILLAUD 7 Jan. 1723
Enfant De M JEAN MARTIN 7 Jan. 1723
JEAN EMERY 25 Jan. 1723
Fils De M. JEAN LA COMBE 27 Jan. 1723
La Femme De M. JEAN BUEZ 10 June 1723
CHARLES De BOSLEROI 4 Dec. 1725
BARTHELEMI BALAGUIER, Ministre 27 Jan. 1725
PAUL VIROULEAU De La CAPELLE 27 Dec. 1724
Madam De La BRISSONIERE 18 June 1725
GASPARD GERMAIN 21 July 1725
DANIEL FORTAGNE FORTANIER 11 Jan. 1726
JAQUES DEZOUCHE 16 Nov. 1728
JEAN LOUIS De COMBE 27 Feb. 1729
JUDITH LE DUC 31 Oct. 1728
PIERRE COMBE 12 March 1729
JEAN TESTAS 15 Oct. 1729
JEAN BARRY 25 Feb. 1730
DANIEL MARTIN 15 March 1730
MARTHE MARIE FREBOUL 24 March 1730
JEAN FAURE 7 May 1730
JEAN JAQUES COULON 31 May 1730
FRANCOISE MORIN 31 Aug. 1730
GABRIEL FARANGE 11 Sept. 1730
JACQUES MARTIN 13 Oct. 1730
JANE PETRY 12 Oct. 1730
La Femme De M. CHARLES GANBIER 27 Oct. 1730
JOSUE DU FAY DEXOUDUN Oct. 1930
THEODORE De La CAILLETIERE 13 Nov. 1730
JACOB BARRE 15 Nov. 1730
CHARLES De LOUPRE REBOUL 2 Feb. 1731
JANNE De VALADA BARBAT 19 March 1731
JOSUE ADAM 19 April 1731
Beyond the specific history of the church and cemetery on Peter Street, the Huguenot community left an indelible mark on the fabric of Dublin and Ireland. Their arrival brought with it a wealth of skills and entrepreneurial spirit that significantly boosted the Irish economy. They were particularly renowned for their expertise in various trades and industries, including weaving of high-quality textiles such as silk, poplin, and linen. The introduction and development of Irish poplin, a distinctive blend of silk and wool, is a particularly notable contribution attributed to the Huguenots. Beyond textiles, they also excelled in watchmaking, finance, bookselling, and sugar baking.
The influence of the Huguenots extended to Dublin's very urban landscape. Several prominent architects of Huguenot descent played a crucial role in shaping the city's architectural heritage. James Gandon, whose grandfather was a Huguenot refugee, designed iconic structures such as the Custom House, the Four Courts, and the Kings Inns. Similarly, Richard Cassells, also of Huguenot origin, was responsible for the design of Leinster House and the Rotunda Hospital, both significant landmarks in Dublin.
Many Huguenot families who settled in Dublin rose to prominence in Irish society, leaving a lasting legacy through their contributions in various fields. The La Touche family became synonymous with banking in Dublin, establishing a significant financial institution. The D'Olier family were notable goldsmiths and were also instrumental in the founding of the Bank of Ireland. The Maturin family produced notable figures in literature and the clergy , and Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu remains a celebrated writer of Huguenot descent. Furthermore, the enduring presence of the Huguenots in Dublin is reflected in the city's place names, with streets such as D'Olier Street, Fumbally Lane, French Street, and Mercer Street bearing names connected to prominent Huguenot individuals and communities.
While the cemetery on Peter Street holds a specific place in the history of the Dublin Huguenots, it was not their only burial ground in the city. Another significant site was the Huguenot Cemetery on Merrion Row, established in 1693. Earlier in their settlement, before dedicated cemeteries were established, Huguenots also buried their dead in the "Cabbage Patch" near St. Patrick's Cathedral and in Newmarket in the Liberties. These various burial locations underscore the presence and integration of the Huguenot community within different parts of Dublin over time.
In conclusion, the story of the French Peters of Dublin, centred on the French Protestant Church and Cemetery on Peter Street, is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Huguenot refugees who sought asylum in Ireland. Driven from their homeland by religious persecution, they established a vibrant community in Dublin, contributing significantly to the city's economic, social, and cultural development. While the physical presence of their church and cemetery on Peter Street has evolved over time, their legacy continues to be felt through the contributions of their descendants, the architectural landmarks they helped create, and the very names of the streets that weave through the city they came to call home.
PETER STREET AND THE FRENCH PETERS