THE MARRIAGEABLE GIRLS: SPUNK, HEROISM AND SCANDAL (1634 – 1662)

Before the King’s Wards (Filles du Roy) other young women crossed the ocean leaving everything behind in search of a better life.

The contrast is striking: the Marriageable Girls had to fend for themselves and, for the most part, travelled alone. The King’s Wards on the other hand were taken in charge by the state and benefitted from an all-inclusive trip sponsored by Louis XIV and, over the years, a much better marketing campaign.

This is the fascinating but little-known story of courageous early pioneers of the 17th century

70 or 90 minutes + 30-min question period