ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the charitable act of the Duke and Duchess of Nevers, the possible influences upon the establishment of their charitable foundation, and how it was executed in late sixteenth-century France. The Duke of Nevers was patron to Louis Musset, a bailiff of Saint-Verain in the Nievre region belonging to the duke and his wife, who published a treatise in 1582 in which he suggested a reform of France would only be achieved once reform had occurred in people's hearts. The Nevers Foundation is so intriguing because of the apparent uniqueness of its endeavour to create a charity with a long-term intent to provide assistance for poor single Catholic girls. The duke and duchess were concerned to make it clear that those involved should demonstrate their 'good will and intention' towards the foundation and comply with their desire for certain religious rituals and ceremonies to be performed.
