The Huguenots were devout Protestants from France and Southern Netherlands, who followed the teaching of the theologian, John Calvin.
Many of them fled their country to escape persecution during the 17th century so they could be free to practise their religion.
They made new homes in England and Ireland, Reformed Europe and the Atlantic world. Many of them took refuge in the Dutch Republic where a small number were recruited by the Dutch East India Company to strengthen the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope.