Expert: Josee - 11/2/2009

Question
What would 50 livres (French pounds) buy in 1663? If unmarried women would immigrate to Nouvelle France (Canada) in 1663, what would the value of 50 livres (which they were paid) be?  In 1663, would it buy an estate of 3 buildings?  50 acres of cleared land?
A new horse carriage without the horse?  To have accepted such a courageous adventure, what would these 50 livres have represented to a "fille du roi" in 1663?  Or in today's society? I'm a genealogist for my Franco-American family and everyone researching Canada has the same question.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Joyce!

In the 17th century, 50 pounds in alot of money.  As an example, a shoemaker could win between 60 and 75 pounds a year, a carpenter, between 75 and 100 pounds a year.  So 50 pounds is about a half of a year's salary.  That's part of what made it interesting for those young woman to leave France for New-France.  They would never have a "dot" like that at home.  With 50 pounds, you can buy a cow, or a regular horse, about 10 sheeps or 3 regular size porks.  

So you see, it's alot of money, enough to start you well in life.

Hope this helps!

Take care!

Josee