Some people say that due to my age, I can be considered a historical monument! I think that rather cruel, particularly as historical monuments are more often than not, interesting and educational and certainly worthy of a visit. One of these is the Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek but more of that in just a minute.
Firstly, I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported the efforts of a BA crew and a few hangers on (very appropriate terminology!) like Sarah and me, who last week abseiled off Table Mountain in support of the Dreamflight charity. As of today, 24th January, the amazing total of £11,915 (+£2,000 Gift Aid) has been raised which is far, far in excess of the original target. So thank you, thank you, thank you from everybody involved for your support.
Now back to the Huguenot Museum and Memorial which is a place we have passed on many occasions over the previous 7 years but never ventured through the doors! Very similar to the Motor Museum if you read one of my earlier posts but like that visit, this new one could also be attributed to Sarah's thirst for knowledge.
It is extremely interesting to understand the formation of the Huguenots back in Europe , a movement that began to take shape after the publication of material by Martin Luther in October 1517, criticising the corruption in the Roman Catholic church which at that time was the only official Christian church in Europe. As a result of his exposé, he attracted a huge number of supporters throughout Europe who became known as Protestants!
Luther received support from John Calvin, a French Protestant and it was this support together with input from the Netherlands and Scotland that led to the group becoming known as Huguenots. It was a recipe for disaster which led to incredible persecution over a period of time and ultimately to many fleeing the shores of Europe for America and the Cape.
The majority who fled to Africa actually made their home in Franschhoek - translated means French Corner - where the community grew and flourished although it did become more of a Dutch community over the years, possibly due to the strong trading ties developed by the Dutch East India Company.
It is a fascinating story and the museum is well worth a visit as is the impressive monument which is positioned at the head of the main street in the town. Don't ignore it if you are ever in this part of the world.
This is now our seventh consecutive year visiting South Africa and having written a Blog on at least two previous occasions, it does become a little difficult to write about something new! That said, my love of and enthusiasm for the Western Cape does appear to have become somewhat infectious as more and more people appear to be taking my advice and coming down here to have a look for themselves. It creates great opportunities for social get togethers and I am happy to report that nobody as yet appears to be disappointed with what they are finding and experiencing. I hope that continues!
Enough from me for today. Get to the library and see what books they have on the Huguenot movement. On the other hand of course, you might prefer the latest Jack Reacher!!
Happy days and remember to click on the photos to enlarge and view.
Firstly, I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported the efforts of a BA crew and a few hangers on (very appropriate terminology!) like Sarah and me, who last week abseiled off Table Mountain in support of the Dreamflight charity. As of today, 24th January, the amazing total of £11,915 (+£2,000 Gift Aid) has been raised which is far, far in excess of the original target. So thank you, thank you, thank you from everybody involved for your support.
Now back to the Huguenot Museum and Memorial which is a place we have passed on many occasions over the previous 7 years but never ventured through the doors! Very similar to the Motor Museum if you read one of my earlier posts but like that visit, this new one could also be attributed to Sarah's thirst for knowledge.
It is extremely interesting to understand the formation of the Huguenots back in Europe , a movement that began to take shape after the publication of material by Martin Luther in October 1517, criticising the corruption in the Roman Catholic church which at that time was the only official Christian church in Europe. As a result of his exposé, he attracted a huge number of supporters throughout Europe who became known as Protestants!
Luther received support from John Calvin, a French Protestant and it was this support together with input from the Netherlands and Scotland that led to the group becoming known as Huguenots. It was a recipe for disaster which led to incredible persecution over a period of time and ultimately to many fleeing the shores of Europe for America and the Cape.
The majority who fled to Africa actually made their home in Franschhoek - translated means French Corner - where the community grew and flourished although it did become more of a Dutch community over the years, possibly due to the strong trading ties developed by the Dutch East India Company.
It is a fascinating story and the museum is well worth a visit as is the impressive monument which is positioned at the head of the main street in the town. Don't ignore it if you are ever in this part of the world.
This is now our seventh consecutive year visiting South Africa and having written a Blog on at least two previous occasions, it does become a little difficult to write about something new! That said, my love of and enthusiasm for the Western Cape does appear to have become somewhat infectious as more and more people appear to be taking my advice and coming down here to have a look for themselves. It creates great opportunities for social get togethers and I am happy to report that nobody as yet appears to be disappointed with what they are finding and experiencing. I hope that continues!
Enough from me for today. Get to the library and see what books they have on the Huguenot movement. On the other hand of course, you might prefer the latest Jack Reacher!!
Happy days and remember to click on the photos to enlarge and view.
Huguenot Memorial Museum
Another View
Huguenot Memorial Statue
A Close Up
Lunch With Friends Barry & Claire
Breakfast With The Cumbrian Mafia!
