Seventeenth Century Silver was very much influenced by the Huguenot silversmiths. These were refugees who leftt their French homeland because of religious persecution. English aristocrats of the time, had a love of French Style and fine craftsmanship so supported these exiles. The Huguenots, , were protected from the religious persecution of Catholic rulers until Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685. In 1688 William of Orange issued a proclamation encouraging Huguenot settlement in England.

The Huguenots produced some of the finest silver items of the time having been trained in the latest French Court styles. Their skills and styles continued to influence silversmithing into the 1760s. England was an extremely prosperous nation at this time and the demand for silver increased. Silver was a way of displaying wealth and social status. Tureens and Sauce Boats were introduced during this era due to the introduction of French Cruisine. Tea, chocolate and coffee were introduced to England in the 1650s resulting in the creation of new vessels such as teapots and coffee pots.