The Edict of Fontainebleau (October 1685) was an edict issued by Louis XIV of France. This legislation revoked the Edict of Nantes (1598) and ordered the destruction of Huguenot churches, as well as the closing of Protestant schools. As a result, about 200,000 Protestants left France, seeking asylum in England, the United Provinces, and what is now Germany. (Spielvogel). It is believed by some that Louis XIV's second wife Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon was a strong advocate of Protestant persecution and actually urged Louis to revoke the legislation.

This Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, as it is also commonly called, has been criticized in a manner similar to criticism of the Nazi Holocaust and the Spanish Inquisition; in short, the revocation drained a great deal of skilled craftsmen, including key designers, such as Daniel Marot from France. Upon leaving France, Huguenots took with them knowledge of important techniques and styles -- which had a significant effect on the quality of the silk, plate glass, silversmithing (see: Huguenot silver), and cabinet-making industries of those regions to which they relocated.

See also: Fontainebleau

References

• Spielvogel -- Western Civilization -- Volume II: Since 1500 (5th Edition -- 2003) p.410

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