Centre for Lifelong Learning Online Catalogue

D832: 'Paris is worth a Mass': The French Wars of Religion 1562-98 (online via Zoom)

Modern History

The 'Massacre of St Bartholomew's Day' in Paris in 1572 has come to symbolise the senseless violence of the French Wars of Religion, but how was Renaissance France, one of the most cultured kingdoms in 16th century Europe, plunged into such a bloody civil war in the first place. Using a variety of contemporary sources from both sides, Catholic and Huguenot, and from foreign observers, seek to understand the reasons why neighbour fell upon neighbour with such ferocity and gain an insight into the motivation and experience of religious violence. Through illustrated lectures and online resources, examine the nature of the religious divisions in France, the trigger for full-scale sectarian conflict, and the long, hard, road to peace, punctuated by assassinations and atrocities. What role did the House of Guise (Queen Mary Stuart's relatives) play in the wars? Was Catherine de Medici as villainous as she was portrayed in contemporary Protestant propaganda? Why did King Henry IV of France think Paris was worth a Mass to bring about peace?

Further Information Links

  • 3Ls Clubs: Interested in joining the History Club? Find out more here.

Key Information

These classes are aimed at those aged 50 and over.

Tutor: Patrick Parsons MA PGCE

Wed 05/10/2022 - Wed 07/12/2022
Meetings: 10

Wednesday (10.00 - 12.00)
Online, Online