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      Palatine refugees in the early 1700s

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the reasons for Palatine migrants, as well as the experiences and impact of Palatine migrants.

      Key learning points

      1. Palatine migrants settled in England to escape the devastation of war, in the hope of migrating onto North America.
      2. Palatines had a largely negative experience once the government and Church realised that one third were Catholics.
      3. As very few Palatines remained in England, they had little impact beyond the 1709 act being revoked.

      Keywords

      • Naturalise - to be given the same rights as a citizen of the nation

      Common misconception

      As Palatines were not all Protestant migrants they had entirely negative experiences as migrants in England.

      Palatines were initially welcomed and supported, as authorities believed they were Protestant refugees. Their experiences became negative as authorities realised that many were Catholics seeking better economic opportunities.

      Teacher tip

      Although it is not the focus of the lesson, where possible draw comparisons with students knowledge of other Protestant migrants in this period who had largely positive experiences.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In which decade did tens of thousands Huguenot migrants settle in England as a result of religious persecution in France?

      1610s
      1630s
      1650s
      Correct answer: 1680s

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements is correct?

      Huguenots settled in England as it was known as a tolerant Puritan nation.
      Huguenots settled in England as it was known as a tolerant Catholic nation.
      Correct answer: Huguenots settled in England as it was known as a tolerant Protestant nation.

      Q3.
      Complete the sentence: In 1709, an act to all Protestant migrants was passed.

      Correct Answer: naturalise

      Q4.
      How much money did William III and Mary II raise to help resettle Huguenot refugees?

      £1.2 million
      £104 000
      Correct answer: £39 000

      Q5.
      Which town did Flemish weavers settle in to begin with?

      Correct Answer: Sandwich, sandwich

      Q6.
      Which of the following statements show Huguenot migrants' impact on English culture?

      They invested in large businesses and projects.
      Correct answer: Many English surnames today have Huguenot origins.
      Correct answer: Huguenots brought their French fashion which caught on quickly.
      Their wealth improved the local economies of the places they settled in.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which word describes to be given the same rights as a citizen of the nation?

      Correct Answer: naturalise

      Q2.
      Complete the sentence: Palatine migrants settled in England to escape the devastation of war, in the hope of migrating onto America.

      Correct Answer: North

      Q3.
      How many Palatine refugees arrived in London in 1709?

      3000
      10 000
      Correct answer: 13 000
      130 000

      Q4.
      Why did groups of Germanic people seek refuge outside of central Europe in the late 1600s?

      The Rhineland was experiencing overpopulation.
      Correct answer: The Rhineland had become devastated by various European wars.
      Correct answer: The Rhineland had become devastated by years of poor harvests.
      The Rhineland was experiencing multiple floods followed by droughts.

      Q5.
      Why did English authorities and churches stop supporting the Palatines?

      They initially believed that they were Catholics fleeing persecution.
      Correct answer: They initially believed that they were Protestants fleeing persecution.
      They discovered that one third of the Palatine refugees were Protestant.
      Correct answer: They discovered that one third of the Palatine refugees were Catholic

      Q6.
      Where did the Palatines who did remain in England settle?

      Sandwich
      Canterbury
      Correct answer: Liverpool
      Southampton

      To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Palatine refugees in the early 1700s, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...