Day Visit to Rochester - Thursday 18th April 2024
A visit co-organised by the Huguenot museum, which included
a guided visit to the Huguenot Museum, the French Hospital La Providence and the Cathedral.
Led by Dr Tessa Murdoch, Chair of the Huguenot museum, the visit started at The Huguenot Museum, established in 2015 which displays collections from the French Hospital and celebrates the contribution made by Britain's First Refugees.
Members previewed the new display The Uppark 'Baby' House and Huguenot Home-making'. This exceptional 18th century dolls' house belonged to Sarah Lethieullier, a Huguenot heiress, who later married Matthew Fetherstonhaugh. Sarah was a talented artist and embroiderer.
Dr Tessa Murdoch also gave an illustrated talk on the history of the French Hospital.
Members previewed the new display The Uppark 'Baby' House and Huguenot Home-making'. This exceptional 18th century dolls' house belonged to Sarah Lethieullier, a Huguenot heiress, who later married Matthew Fetherstonhaugh. Sarah was a talented artist and embroiderer.
Dr Tessa Murdoch also gave an illustrated talk on the history of the French Hospital.
The French Hospital La Providence, founded in London, 1718, moved to Rochester, 1958. Portraits of officers and directors, sacred and secular silver and memorabilia of Huguenot settlers are distributed between the Hospital and the Huguenot Museum, opened 2015, which tells the story of Britain's first refugees, Protestants, who left France due to religious persecution under Louis XIV.
Leslie du Cane, Deputy Governor of the French Hospital welcomed the group to the Hospital, gave an introductory talk on the history of the hospital and showed the premises. |
The day concluded with a fascinating guided tour of the Tour of Rochester Cathedral led by Rosemary Diamond DL.
We very much enjoyed this visit. As special thank you to Dr Tessa Murdoch for supporting the organisation of this visit and to all for welcoming our group. We look forward to coming back to Rochester very soon.
We very much enjoyed this visit. As special thank you to Dr Tessa Murdoch for supporting the organisation of this visit and to all for welcoming our group. We look forward to coming back to Rochester very soon.