Huguenot refugees and their descendants, both in Britain and North America, were caught up in the Methodist movement from its beginnings. The best known (e.g. theDelamotte, Riggall and Bosanquet families) were only the tip of an iceberg. One tenth of the 740 members at the Foundery in London in the early 1740s bore French names and the Bristol society reveals similar evidence, though on a smaller scale. Both the housekeeper (Sarah Clavel) and steward (Melchior Teulon) at the Foundery were Huguenots, as were the Vanners; and John Wesley was later to marry a Huguenot widow, Mary Vazeille. Redundant Huguenot chapels proved to be invaluable to him, especially those at West Street and Spitalfields in London, which he acquired in the early 1740s. West Street, having been episcopally consecrated, was of particular importance in Methodism's sacramental life.

Entry written by: GEM
Category: Subject
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