Medway’s newest museum has been officially opened by Princess Alexandra.
The Queen’s cousin was guest of honour at the Huguenot Centre in Rochester High Street.

It tells the story of the Huguenots, widely known as the world’s first refugees, their persecution in France, escape to Britain and the trades, crafts and skills they bought with them.

And it was clear the royal guest had researched the history of the French Protestants’ plight before the visit tot the museum which is housed on two floors of the Visitor Information Centre.

Director Hannah Kay said: “She was very impressed with what she saw and had obviously read up the Huguenot background before her trip. “She stayed for about an hour and a half and seemed genuinely interested in the many artefacts on show.”

Miss Kay and Huguenot trustees chairman Peter Duval showed the princess aound the galleries, displays and the educational learning area.

The centre opened in May following a £1.5 million development project, thanks to a substantial grant from the heritage lottery fund and doinations from trustees of the nearby French Hospital. Residents at the hospital, known as La Providence ,have been the driving force behind the project and many have donated items and mementoes handed down over the generations.

The Viscount De L’Isle, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, welcomed the princess to the opening which was also attended by the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Barry Kemp and his wife Joyce, council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett, and the acting dean of Rochester Cathedral, Canon Philip Hesketh.

Miss Kay said: “We also invited people representing Rochester’s other tourist attractions, like Restoration House and the Guildhall Museum to share our celebrations as well as our donors and sponsors - everyone who helped put this together.”
The princess unveiled a plaque and Miss Kay’s daughter Lily Boyes, four, presented her wiith a posy.

Miss Kay said: “It was a lovely, lovely day.”

The Huguenot Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on bank holiday Mondays. Admission is £4 for adults and £3 for concessions.