Description
Hundreds of Huguenots and Walloons fleeing religious persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries in France and the Low Countries were given permission to settle in Canterbury. Many had expertise as weavers, and started their trade, requiring well-lit work rooms, in local buildings. Vestiges of ‘weavers’ windows’ can still be seen in the city. Some are in buildings known to have housed weavers; some are heavily restored or completely re-created; and some may be little more than a stylistic feature. The Old Weavers’ House has no true ‘weavers’ windows’ but is included as it housed a weaving school into the early 1900s – see final image.
Local examples (click to enlarge)
To find out more about the Old Weavers’ House click here.