The Biblotheque Nationale, Paris was founded as the royal library in the Louvre Palace by Charles V in 1368. After the establishment of the French First Republic in 1792, the library's collection swelled by the confiscated volumes of the aristocracy and the clergy it was declared to be the property of the French people. Today, as well as hosting a range of special events and exhibitions, the Library is home to France's copyright deposit. Its collection features 17th century engravings and stunning examples of vellum manuscripts that range from the 8th to the 16th century.