The First Estate
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
● Divisions of the clergy
● Privileges of the First Estate
● Impacts of the First Estate
FACT FILE
The Roman Catholic clergy
formed the First Estate
Let’s find out more about the
First Estate
Prior to the French Revolution in the late
18th century, French society was divided
into three estates, also known as orders.
130,000 ordained members of the
Catholic Church made up the First
Estate. They were archbishops, bishops,
parish priests, monks, friars, and nuns.
The First Estate was regarded highly in
the social order as religion was very
important in the 18th century. For
ordinary people, the church and its
clergy were the only way to understand
and connect to God and the afterlife. The
Church was an integral part of France’s
social and political scene, and therefore,
religion reinforced royal authority.
Higher clergy, such as cardinals and archbishops, held an advisory role. The
Catholic Church held the monopoly in France as there were no other
acceptable religions in the country.
The Church was accountable for the social policy and welfare and also
performed some functions of the state. The clergy’s responsibilities
included:

Conducting and Educating Administering Curé was a

registering marriages, children charity to the central figure
baptisms and funerals poor and influential
leader
Divisions of the
Higher and lower clergy Clergy

The clergy were connected with the French Catholic Church, which claimed
various range of powers.

Higher (noble) Clergy Lower (non-noble) Clergy

- Came from families of the - Often held by members of the

Second Estate Third Estate
- Comprised of bishops and - Comprised of parish priests,
abbots monks and nuns
- Usually wealthy and arrogant - Makes up 90% of the clergy
Privileges of the First
The First Estate had considerable political Estate
influence in France. This was because of the
strong religious beliefs of the majority of the The clergy was corrupt and
population. had some major failings.

Reinforcing royal Exemption from Acquired personal

authority taxes wealth of the higher
clergy
1 Reinforcing royal authority

Religion established royal authority by strengthening the king’s

sacred right to the throne.
 THINK ABOUT THIS! ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 11-14

1 VOCABULARY. Based on your understanding of the resource, give

meaning to the terms provided. (X marks)

TERMS DEFINITION

A Clergy

B Cahiers de doléance

C Curé

D Don gratuit

E Tithe

E Diocese

CLERGY COLLAGE. Provide at least four pictures that describe the

2 clergy’s responsibilities in French society. Do not forget to explain
your work. (X marks)

CLERGY
 THINK ABOUT THIS! ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 14-16

COMPLETION. Identify the three estates under the Old Regime of

1 France. Discuss their privileges and exemptions. (X marks)

FIRST ESTATE SECOND ESTATE THIRD ESTATE

2 SOURCE ANALYSIS. Critically analyse the source using the guide

questions provided. (X marks)

GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. Describe what is depicted in

the source. Identify each of
the figures from the cartoon
and state your reasons why.
2. Who do you think “you” refers
to in the title? Why?
3. Why is the old man carrying
the two other men on his
back? What does this
represent?

SOURCE A
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