The Fascinating Story Behind An Intriguing Soho Sculpture

Tucked away in the north-west corner of Soho Square is a sculpture that tells a fascinating story.

It is the story of the first ever ‘refugees’ to London, their struggles and the amazing contribution they made to communities they integrated with.

The French Protestant Church Of London

The sculpture in question can be found on 8-9 Soho Square. This is the site of the French Protestant Church of London, or the ‘Eglise Protestante Londres’: the last Huguenot Church in the city.

Dating from 1893, the building is in the gothic and Flemish style and was designed by Sir Aston Webb (1849-1930). He is most well known for the Eastern façade of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The inside, as well as the outside, looks stunning: click here for their website and some interior photos.

The Huguenots of London were Protestant refugees who had fled religious persecution in France and their story is depicted in the ‘tympanum’ over the entrance.

The Tympanum

I would not blame you if you don’t know what a ‘tympanum’ is; I only found out this week. It is a decorative space enclosed by a pediment or arch over an entranceway.

This one was sculpted by John Prangnell in 1950.

It was installed to mark the 400th anniversary of a Royal Charter granted by King Edward VI in 1550 giving freedom of worship in England for a group of Protestants from France, the Netherlands and elsewhere.

This paved the way for the establishment of the first French Protestant church. It was located on Threadneedle Street in the City of London and provided a focal point for Huguenot refugees.

King Edward’s aim was to further the cause of the Reformation on the continent by offering a safe haven for the persecuted.

Huguenot Migration To England

A large migration of Huguenots to England took place in 1572 after the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in France. This horrific event involved the planned assassination of Huguenot leaders, prompting a wave of violence against Huguenots across France.

In 1598 the Edict of Nantes allowed some freedom of worship to Protestants in France.

This was however revoked in 1685 by King Louis XIV, prompting a huge migration of Huguenots out of France. It is estimated 200,000-250,000 left the country in this period, 40,000-50,000 of which ended up in London.

Coming from the French word ‘réfugié’ for hiding place, the word ‘refugee’ was first used in England to describe the fleeing Huguenots.

They moved into the areas that were, at that point, on the outskirts of London. Spitalfields was the main area of settlement, with a high concentration of silk weavers, but also Soho, where goldsmiths, watchmakers, jewellers and other craftsmen settled.

Look at the centre of the tympanum and you will see a clog-wearing Huguenot holding a spinning wheel. This references the many extremely valuable skills the Huguenots brought with them, particularly silk weaving.

On the lovely surviving 18th century Huguenot houses in Spitalfields you can see the unusually large attic spaces designed to let in a lot of light for weaving and to store their looms.

The New Mother Church

At the beginning of the 18th century there were more than 30 Huguenot Churches in London but over time they integrated into other churches and Huguenot specific churches were gradually closed.

By the end of the 19th century Soho was the centre of the French community in London. Soho Square was therefore chosen as the location for the new Mother Church.

One Last Detail

One final detail to look for on the tympanum is the cross at the top. It is the Huguenot cross and emblem of the French Protestant Church of London.

It is thought to have originated as a symbol of the Huguenots in the 17th century. The design was taken from Order of the Holy Spirit in France and was also worn by King Henry IV of France who introduced the Edict of Nantes.

Previous to that, the cross element of the design was part of the Cross of Malta. This was the insignia of the Knights of Malta: descendants of the crusading order; the Knight’s Hospitaller.

The dove at the bottom is a Christian symbol for peace and it is said that, in times of persecution, Huguenots replaced the dove with a pearl.

So, there we have it! Next time you are in the area make sure you go and have a look. It is a great opportunity to consider the plight of the many who have sought refuge in London over its long history and the contributions they have made.

More London history below!