From Refuge to Remembrance
David Adcock • 26 June 2025
From Refuge to Remembrance
All are welcome at this historic service
David Adcock
It must be 20 years ago now that I was asked to do a reading at the annual French service at St Julien’s Chapel. At that time the speaker each year was a real life French Reformed Church pastor who lived in Brighton.
The event is a co operation between the Anglican City Centre Parish and the local Huguenot Society. It commemorates the time when French speaking refugees fleeing religious persecution came to Southampton in the 16th and 17th century and were granted permission by Queen Elizabeth to use St Julien’s Chapel as a place of worship.
I started attending each year until news came that the French pastor could no longer come. I’m English, I’m not from Huguenot stock, I’m not ordained and I’m not Reformed Church. I do however speak French. I’m a Christian and I’m used to public speaking with an interest in history. So I got asked to lead the service which I’ve now been doing for the last decade.
This year we hope to be joined by the Bishop of Winchester who is a fluent French speaker. Phew!
The Chapel is on land owned by Queen’s College Oxford and in its grounds are alms houses. Because of this, access to the chapel is quite rare and so this service presents a great opportunity to see inside and take part in a piece of Southampton heritage and history. Since I’ve been involved I’ve been keen to make it accessible to all, whether people speak French or not and whether or not they are believers.
So everyone is welcome. Full details here. It will take place at 3pm on Sunday 20 July. The chapel is in Winkle Street SO142NY
July Walks 2025 Our New YouTube video by Jake Simpkin Take a look at our latest video and subscribe to our free YouTube channel. We look forward to seeing you on one of our tours. You can use the 'Book Now' button to see our schedule and to reserve your place.
We are expanding our program for July which is often the warmest month of the year. Many people, especially those at school look forward to their holidays and it also means welcoming more cruise ships and visitors to Southampton. We are adding extra tours during the week with a variety of times and days. Including: Titanic Trail Plus: More evening walks to enjoy the beautiful warm evenings Plus: Our Jane Austen Tours continue Not forgetting: Our regular weekend tours at 1:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays Use the 'book now' button to see our full schedule or to secure your place.
We are delighted to announce the addition of evening tours to our summer calendar. Our popular Overground and Underground tour, a favourite among locals and visitors alike, is now available during the week as well. If you can’t join us on the weekends, why not experience the magic of Southampton’s historic walls on a summer evening? Join us on the north side of the Bargate where we’ll embark on our captivating 90-minute exploration of some of the rich history of Southampton. Evening Walks Schedule for June 4 June 2025 10 June 2025 19 June 2025 Starting at 6:30pm. Each tour costs just £10 per person. To secure your spot, book using the link below or simply turn up and pay on the evening of the walk. Don’t miss out on this enchanting experience. Explore Southampton with us!
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Spring has finally arrived and it is an exciting time for us. Temperatures are already beginning to rise and it has been terrific taking people around our wonderful city when the sun has been shining. The ever popular Overground & Underground walking tour has been running throughout the winter and will continue to run on Saturday’s and Sundays. Local people and visitors to the city are fascinated to discover some of the many interesting secrets that Southampton holds. If you have never had the chance to venture into Southampton’s vaults this tour is definitely one for you. Our team of guides are also eager to welcome you to our brand new tour designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. They would love to take you around the area of Southampton where Jane lived so that you can discover what Southampton was like in her time here. Another anniversary that we will be marking is the tragic sinking of the Titanic. Over 500 members of the crew who lost their lives came from Southampton so that awful event will always be linked to the city. You can find out more about our tours and book them from here on this website.