Registers Of The French Churches Of Lucy Lane & Peter Street Dublin Baptisms 1701-1731 Burials 1702-1731 1771-1831 & Marriages 1771-1831

The Registers of the French Churches of Lucy Lane & Peter Street, Dublin

Step back in time to the winding cobblestone lanes and bustling guild halls of 18th and 19th-century Dublin. Within these historic streets, a community of French Huguenot refugees found sanctuary, bringing with them not only skills in weaving, watchmaking, and finance but also a rich and resilient faith. At the heart of their world stood the French Churches of Lucy Lane and Peter Street—beacons of hope and identity in a new land.

Now, you can turn the key to your past with this meticulously compiled collection of their vital records. This is more than a list of names; it is a direct link to the men and women who fled persecution to weave their stories into the very fabric of Irish history.

What Awaits You Inside These Hallowed Registers?
This essential genealogical resource contains faithful transcriptions of the original church records, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the Huguenot community of Dublin.

Baptisms (1701-1731): Discover the names of children born to a community carving out a new life. Find their parents, and often their godparents—revealing intricate family networks and alliances that are the key to breaking down brick walls in your research.
Burials (1702-1731 & 1771-1831): Please note: There is a gap in the surviving burial records from 1732 to 1770. Trace the final resting places of your ancestors. These entries often contain poignant details, marking the end of a life that began on foreign soil.
Marriages (1771-1831): Unite family lines as you find marriage bonds and banns. These records are the cornerstone of building your family tree, connecting generations and revealing the names of the families who joined together in this tight-knit community.

Whispers on Lucy Lane: Myths & Legends of the Huguenot Church
Beyond the names and dates, the very ground these churches stood on is steeped in local lore. As you delve into these records, imagine the echoes of these stories that were whispered among parishioners for centuries.

The Ghost of the Weaver Girl: Local legend speaks of a spectral figure, sometimes seen on moonlit nights near where Lucy Lane once stood. She is said to be the spirit of a young Huguenot weaver, Elise, who died of a broken heart after her fiancé, a fellow refugee, was press-ganged into the Royal Navy. It is said her name appears in the burial register of 1724, and that if you trace her family line, you may find a story of tragedy and enduring love.

The Merchant's Hoard: One of Dublin's most persistent myths is that of the "Huguenot Hoard." A wealthy silk merchant, fearing another wave of religious turmoil or confiscation, allegedly buried his family's life savings—silver, gold, and jewels—in a vault beneath the floor of the Peter Street church. The secret of its location, the story goes, died with him during the fever of 1793, but some believe a coded message was left in the margin of the marriage register for his son. While the treasure has never been found, the legend adds a thrilling layer of mystery to every entry from that era.

The Silent Bell of Peter Street: The church at Peter Street was known for its clear, resonant bell. But legend claims it fell silent for a full year in the 1780s. The story tells of a prominent parishioner, a man respected by all, who was discovered to be a spy passing information to France. After his disgrace and burial in unconsecrated ground, the bell refused to toll for his soul. Some old-timers swore that on the anniversary of his death, a single, mournful chime could be heard, a warning from the past to those who would betray their community.


An Indispensable Resource For:
Genealogists tracing Huguenot ancestry from France, Switzerland, and the Low Countries into Ireland.
Historians researching the social, economic, and religious impact of the Huguenot diaspora in Dublin.
Descendants of the Dubourdieu, Le Fanu, Crommelin, and other Huguenot families seeking to connect with their roots.

Anyone with a passion for the rich, hidden history of Dublin's "Liberties" district.
Don't let your ancestors' stories remain lost in the annals of time. Order your copy of the "Registers of the French Churches of Lucy Lane & Peter Street, Dublin" today, and begin your journey into the heart of a resilient, resourceful, and remarkable community.