Immigration through history: Huguenots and others

Study note

People have come to settle in Britain throughout its history, often to escape hardship or persecution in their own countries. One important group were the Huguenots, who were French Protestants. In the 17th and 18th centuries many Huguenots fled France to escape religious persecution and settled in Britain, where they contributed skills and trades.

The Huguenots were French Protestant refugees, not a Scottish royal family, Roman soldiers or Viking raiders. Britain has continued to receive newcomers in later periods too, including many people from across the Commonwealth and around the world who have settled in and contributed to the UK. The key fact to remember is that the Huguenots were French Protestants who came to Britain to escape persecution.

Memory tip: Huguenots = French Protestant refugees who settled in Britain.