QUESTION: Did 'Huguenots' settle in Scotland?

[Jeanette H]

Hello to all RootsChat Members,

I have recently come across some information stating that the 'Huguenots', left France between the years of 1685-1760, travelling to various countries including England. 

QUESTION:  Is it possible that they could also have settled in Scotland?  Possibly changing their names.

Is anyone aware of this actually having taken place, and if so what counties of Scotland would most likely have been their destination?

Jeanette H.

 

[scotmum]

Found this:

1609 Group of Flemish Huguenots settled in Canongate, Scotland.

and

By 1707 400 refugee Huguenot families had settled in Scotland. Helped establish the Scottish weaving trade.

[Jeanette H]

Hello Scotmum,

That certainly is very interesting information, that will come in handy when I try to analyse if there is any 'Huguenot' connections.

As I have BROWNs & CAMPBELLs in Ayrshire and Wigtownshire, also TURNBULLs in Roxburghshire (a Merchant in Hawick, do not know what he traded in).  The mystery is that we cannot find their births, marriages and deaths.

Thank you for your reply,
Jeanette H.

[vascellaro]

How very interesting! I live in Ulster CO, NY, and the Huguenots settled in New Paltz about the same time.

As a member of a local historical society, I am excited to tie local history to Scottish.

Peigi

[linmey]

I have found out that some of my ancestors came from France and settled in Lanarkshire sometime after 1760. I havnt found out as yet if they were Huguenots though.

Linda.

[RJ_Paton]

the figures concerning the 1609 settlement and 1707 families comes from
http://www.pierrechastain.com/timeline.htm.

There are also "stories" of Flemish families settling in Pollokshaws (which would have then been in Renfrewshire). Indeed one local legend has it that that the Flemish settlers were the main point of reference when speaking about "the queer folk o' the 'shaws"

The first paper mill in Glasgow is reputed to have been founded by a Huguenot refugee.

There is also a book available showing some of these links by David Dobson
"Huguenot and Scots Links, 1575-1775"

[Gadget]

I have possible Hugenots in Dumfriesshire around that time, if it's any help 

Still verifying my descent but they were definitely there from early 1700s. Weavers in Nithsdale.

Gadget

[RJ_Paton]

Its fascinating reading ... there were at least 3 "official" Huguenot wars in France with the first emigration as early as 1572 - the main body left after serious persecution began again around 1685.Approximately 250,000 were reputed to have left France within 2 or 3 years 10,000 going to Ireland with only a small percentage going to Scotland.

If anyone remembers the dashing exploits of the 4 musketeers - especially the latter stages where they took part in the siege of la Rochelle against "rebels" - these rebels being supported by the English were the Huguenots - real history always tends to tarnish heroic figures (even fictional ones)

[Jeanette H]

Hello to All RootsChat Members,

It is good to see this 'Topic' become active again (which was last active in May 2005). 

Thank you all who have contributed today Peigi / Linda / Gadget / & Falkyrn.

Falkyrn - thank you for sharing your knowledge on 'The Huguenots' - it certainly does appear to be very fascinating reading.  If you care to share further information with us, then please go right ahead, I am sure we would all be very interested.

I will have a look at the link you suggested, also I will try to track down the Book by 'David Dobson'.

Falkyrn - I see by your Names Search Listing, that you are Researching 'POGUE (POLLOCK)', I gather that 'POGUE' might be the Huguenot spelling for 'POLLOCK', am I correct in assuming this?

You also made mention of: "Pollokshaws (which would have then been in Renfrewshire)".   Is this where the 'POGUE'/'POLLOCKs' possibly settled?

The reason I am asking is because my husband's family has 'POLLOCK' connections.

Thanks again everyone.
Jeanette H.