The horror story of the Huguenot persecution after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes from
the early 1680s to the Edict of Toleration in 1787 needs to be retold by looking at some of
the positive benefits the refugees brought to the lands to which they escaped. The brutality of
the dragonnades gallows and hangings cannot be overlooked nor the gradual oppression of a
considerable proportion of the population of France. Yet this emigration also included success
stories such as two generals in the Ligonnier family and two admirals in the Laforey family.
Some Huguenot pastors banished from the realm became like Duval high-ranking officials in the
Church of England or of Ireland. Among artists Roubillac a sculptor enlivened Westminster
Abbey whilst Marot an architect and engraver designed castles and gardens. Some businessmen
like Beron and the Faneuil brothers thrived in Boston. From Huguenot lineage sprang four
presidents of the United States. All of this was a tribute to their faith to their belief in
the doctrine of Predestination and to the qualities of their character such as reverence
chastity frugality sobriety and industry.
