Croix huguenote
The Huguenots in Soho
Paul Baker
Change of speaker and topic
7.30 pm
Thursday 28 September
At Stephens House
Unfortunately David Keen had to cancel his talk due to serious family illness, but were delighted and grateful that Paul Baker, who is well known to many of us, has agreed to speak instead. Paul’s presentation on Thursday evening was on “The Hugenots in Soho”.
The Huguenots of Spitalfields are well-known. But the history of the Huguenots of Soho is perhaps less well explored. These French Protestant immigrants settled in Soho and Westminster at the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century, and their influence on English society and the arts was incalculable. Paul Baker explored how and why and exactly where in Westminster they settled, and what trades they engaged in. Paul’s talk was illustrated with some gorgeous silks, furniture and gold and silverware.
Paul is a qualified City of London guide, and has been leading guided walks around central London and his own beloved borough of Barnet for the last 14 years. Paul was familiar to members of the Society: he delivered the Jean Scott Memorial Lecture in 2016 on “Fabulous Finchley”. You can find out more about Paul’s work on his Facebook page Barnet and London Walks.