Provisional Thesis Title : Constructs of a Rebel City: Representations of La Rochelle in Early Modern Print Culture (1560-Present)

Siege of La Rochelle by Henri Motte

The city of La Rochelle was a prime locus of conflict during the French wars of religion. So far, however, scholarly research focused on the city’s religious and social developments, with prime emphasis being placed on legal documents. My project aims to analyse how the city served as a token in, and catalyst for, the development of a broader, French Huguenot identity and ideology. Its provocative acts against Catholicism confirmed its status as a Huguenot fortification. Yet, it was when it housed protestant press as a reaction to the diffusion of Catholic pamphlets, that it truly became the centre for Huguenot activity and an intellectual hub which spread Protestant ideologies.

The thesis itself focuses on materials published from ca. 1560 to 1630 which explores the city’s ideology whilst it was undergoing many social changes. Furthermore, whilst the primary support for the thesis will be provided by materials which were published within the walls of La Rochelle, an in-depth examination of influential figures and events will provide additional support to our understanding of Huguenot identity and ideology. By comparing these findings with materials published by their Catholic counterparts (notably in Paris), my research will provide an insight into how the literary activity within the walls had an impact on the Catholic representation of Huguenot identity and on extramural activities such as military campaigns organised against the city.

Supervisors:

Prof Ingrid De Smet

I dot de-Smet at warwick dot ac dot uk

Prof Penny Roberts

Penny dot Roberts at warwick dot ac dot uk