The Daily Schedule of King Lo uis XIV While he was King of France, Louis XIV’s day was timed down to the last minute so that his many officers and nobles could plan their work around his. From the ceremonial rising in the morning to his retiring at night, he followed a strict schedule, as did all the members of the Court. The daily routine of the Sun King was supposed to continue under the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, but neither of them could bear this oppressive ceremonial. As the years passed, the ceremonies were observed less frequently and courtiers complained that they never saw the King anymore - something that would prove very problematic for Louis XVI. The King’s Mornings 7.30 am “Sire, it is time,” the first Valet de Chambre would awaken the King and the First Levée (rising) began. Doctors, familiars and a few favorites follow into the bedchamber of the King. The King was washed, combed and shaved (every other day) by these servants in a formal ceremony. The officers of the Chamber and the Wardrobe then entered for the Grand Levée during which the King was dressed and breakfasted on a bowl of broth. Only the most important people in France were admitted to observe this ritual. The number of attendants is estimated at around 100, all male. 10 am As they left the King’s apartment, a procession formed in the Hall of Mirrors. Followed by his courtiers, a crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the monarch. Some were even able to speak to him briefly or pass him a written request. The King sat in the Royal Chapel to attend mass for about 30 minutes. A choir renowned throughout Europe sang a new work each day, written by the most celebrated composers of France. 11 am Back in his apartment, the King held council. On Sundays and Wednesdays was the Council of State, Tuesdays and Saturdays were devoted to the Royal Council of Finances, and finally, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays there might be an extra Council of State or a Religious Council. On these same days, the King might also decide to examine the progress of the building programs. Five or six ministers worked with the monarch who spoke little, listened much, and then made his decision. The King’s Afternoons 1 pm In his bedchamber, the King dined alone, sitting at a table facing the windows. This meal was in principle a private one, but Louis XIV would often receive men of the Court, in general those present at the Levée. 2 pm The King gave his orders announcing his intentions for the afternoon in the morning. If he wished for a promenade, it was in the gardens, either on foot or in a carriage with the ladies. If he chose to hunt, the favorite sport of all the Bourbons, it took place in the grounds when the King preferred to shoot, or in the surrounding woodland with his hounds. 6 pm Often Louis XIV let his son preside over the indoor entertainments, like the evenings in the apartments. Meanwhile, he would sign the many letters prepared by his secretary and then go to the apartments of Madame de Maintenon where he would study an important dossier aided by one of his four secretaries of State. The King’s Evenings 9 pm A crowd squeezed into the King's apartment to attend the Grand Public Supper. The King would sit at the table, surrounded by members of the royal family. At the end of the meal, the monarch walked through his bedroom and into the salon to salute the ladies of the court. Then he withdrew to his cabinet to converse more freely with his family and a few close acquaintances. 11:30 pm A public ceremonial where the King withdrew to his bedroom was a shortened version of the Levée. © Students of History - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Students-Of-History Name __________________________ M y Daily Schedule Before reading about Louis XIV’s schedule, write your own daily schedule. Be as specific as possible! Start with what time you wake up, your morning routine, and continue with what you do during and after school until you go to bed. When you are finished writing your schedule, read through Louis’ and answer the analysis questions. Morning Afternoon Evening Analysis Questions 1. What were the Officers of the Chamber and Wardrobe responsible for? 2. How long each day would Louis XIV hold council and review acts of government? 3. How do you feel this compares to how many hours our president spends each day governing? 4. What were some of the recreational activities the king enjoyed? 5. How does your day compare to Louis? Is it as full of different events? Is it as rigid? Does you class schedule resemble any part of his day? 6. Would you like to be king if you had to follow Louis’ schedule? Explain why or why not. © Students of History - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Students-Of-History Name ______ Answer Key _______________ Thank you for purchasing this product! My students always enjoy comparing their day with King Louis XIV’s! I like to allow students 115-20 minutes to create their own daily schedules and have them share with the class. We then talk about whether they feel busy at all, how much they get done, and how much freedom they have. I then talk about how many hours the President of the US works and how busy his day can be. The students then read the passage about King Louis XIV’s day and complete the analysis questions below. Analysis Questions 1. What were the Officers of the Chamber and Wardrobe responsible for? The Officers of the Chamber and Wardrobe were responsible for dressing King Louis each day and serving him breakfast. 2. How long each day would Louis XIV hold council and review acts of government? The King would govern from 11-1 each day, so about 2 hours. 3. How do you feel this compares to how many hours our president spends each day governing? Open to student opinion but most would probably correctly assume that the president spends much more of his day consumed in acts of government. 4. What were some of the recreational activities the king enjoyed? The King would either hunt or shoot in the afternoons or go on walks with ladies of the court in the gardens. 5. How does your day compare to Louis? Is it as full of different events? Is it as rigid? Does you class schedule resemble any part of his day? Open to student opinion and answers should vary for each student based on how they completed the portion above. 6. Would you like to be king if you had to follow Louis’ schedule? Explain why or why not. Open to student opinion.