From the 16th to the 18th century the
name Huguenot was applied to a member of the Protestant
Reformed Church of France, historically known as the French
Calvinists.
In 1590 a colony of Huguenots was
established in the ancient village of Swords near Dublin and
they became noted for their knowledge and skill in the
manufacture of linen. In 1666 there were numerous Huguenots
from France, of wealth and importance living in or near
Dublin. The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, the Duke of Ormonde,
asked the Archbishop of Dublin to select a suitable
consecrated place of worship for the Huguenot congregation
and he named St Mary’s Chapel belonging to St Patrick’s
Cathedral, the established Protestant Church of Ireland.
This was granted for the purpose proposed on December
23,1665.One important proviso being that "the French
congregation should be bound by the discipline and canons of
the Church of Ireland under the jurisdiction of the
Archbishop of Ireland" The official opening on April 29,1666
had in attendance the Duke and Duchess of Ormonde, the Lord
Primate of Ireland, the Lord Archbishop of Ireland, the Lord
High Chancellor of Ireland, the Council of State and
numerous other high officials as well as many ladies. The
service and sermon were in French and the Archbishop of
Dublin gave the Benediction in French. The grant was renewed
over many subsequent years until 1816.After 150 years
services in French were discontinued.
Source - Dot Clayworth
More information on the French
Huguenots can be found on the following links:
PORTARLINGTON TOWN
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