 At the same time, with the growth of Protestantism in France, a Catholic was placed at the head of the city and its castle while the bourgeoisie formed a Catholic militia to protect Angers from the Huguenots.The bishop, Gabriel Bouvery, organized on his side an "Angevin League".When the news of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre reached Angers, another massacre took place in the city.