Gabriel de Rochechouart de Mortemart

What people wore

Clothing debt settled for 6 livres, 8 sols

In 1626, a servant named Jean Trottier received a new doublet made of coarse linen, a white frieze waistcoat, and white serge hose, which settled a debt of 6 livres and 8 sols.

Daily life

Child labor starting at age six

Many children began working as laborers at age six, often enduring 12-hour days without rest. While some children were apprentices in trades like blacksmithing or coopering, others worked in family farms.

Work

Diverse common jobs in rural and urban areas

Around 85% of the population lived in the countryside and worked in agriculture, while urban dwellers relied on diverse trades like baking, sewing, and manual labor. Common urban jobs included artisans, servants, boatmen, porters, and carters who moved essential goods like grain and stone.

Music

Court ballet performances

The courtly ballet was a spectacular performance featuring masked dancers in elaborate costumes, accompanied by a mix of airs and instrumental music.

At the table

Drinking wine instead of dangerous water

Drinking water was often considered unhealthy, so ordinary people preferred to drink diluted wine or piquette, a low-quality drink made from grape pomace.

Getting around

Primary modes of travel were simple

Ordinary people primarily traveled by foot, on horseback, or via water, as roads were frequently unpaved and turned into mud during rain.

What it cost

Cost of pigs and wood in 17th century

In the 17th century, a single pig could cost approximately 24 livres, while a cart of wood was valued at 11 livres.