Description:

Philip II

Philip II of France, Cistercian Abbey Donation Dating from Early Reign

1p document issued during the first year of the 43-year-long reign of Philip II (1165-1223), also known as Philip Augustus or Philippe Auguste, and the first French monarch to style himself King of France. Dated 1181. The 18 lines of Latin text are inscribed in gorgeous diplomatic charter handwriting on a single parchment page missing its seal. Docketed in French near the seal slats verso. Folded in half. One word in the last line is affected by minor edge loss, else near fine. The whole measures approximately 11.125" x 14". Accompanied by comprehensive research material, including a Latin translation and transcription.

In this deed, Nivelon de Chérisy, Bishop of Soissons (d. 1207), confirmed a land grant made by Hervé de Pierrefonds and his wife Mathilde to Longpont Abbey in modern day Longpont, France. (Longpont is located about 80km northeast of Paris and 17km southwest of the bishopric of Soissons.) Nivelon established many new religious foundations during his episcopal term (1176-1205.) It is thus not surprising that he took an interest in a monastery located in his mother's hometown of Longpont. The Cistercian abbey had been founded some 50 years earlier, in 1132.

Translated in part. Paragraph breaks have been added for improved legibility.

"I, N[ivelon], by the grace of God bishop of Soissons, wish it to be known to all present and future that Herveius de Pierrefonds, knight, coming into our presence, recognized and approved a grant which he had previously made to the church and to the brothers of Longpont, through the hand of Conon, Count of Soissons, namely six measures of land and half of his territory on Mount Mortuifons [Mortefontaine] …  

In addition he conceded to them whatever they were holding from Dudo and John, his men from Montineto. Moreover he conceded to them everything which they were holding from his inheritance or from that of his fathers, as well as whatever they owed to him either in tarage [land-tax] or in any other things, without any retention. Mathilda, wife of the same Herveius, also conceded this grant, for the land was part of her dowry.  

Both Herveius and Mathilda promised and confirmed in faith that concerning these things they would hold a warranty against all men… We also, concerning all the aforesaid things, invest the church, at their request, and confirm to it these things to be possessed with perpetual liberty, with the exception of that which the brothers shall give to the same Herveius as tarage for that land every year, namely three small measures of grain when it is sought by his own appointed collectors around the feast of St. Martin [November 11]. Nor will they do anything further unless they shall so desire.

  These things were done with the consent and approbation of their brothers Raymer, Simon, Peter, Thomas, and Stephan, and of their sisters Hodierna and Helysendis, all of whom promised that they would hold warranty against all men… We indeed, at the request of the same Herveius, fortifying this present document with the impression of our seal and with the annotations of witnesses, prohibit lest presume to go against the things which are written in it, under pain of anathema.

  The witnesses are Hubert, dean of Amblinaco; John, chaplain of the chapel of the Count; John, chaplain of St. Maximus of Pierrefonds; Odo, presbyter of Montineto; John, cellarer of Longpont, Obert; Alelmus and Wiberts, monks. Done in the year after the incarnation of the Lord, MCLXXXI."

The handwriting of this document is an excellent example of the round, Caroline like script most commonly associated with the papal chancery. The looping of the ascenders on the letters s and f, however, are more indicative of an episcopal chancery, the handwriting of which was often influenced by Germany. The abbreviation of many words, both by contraction and by suspension, is typical of both types of documents and of literary manuscripts from the Middle Ages.

Nivelon de Chérisy was the son of Girard le Vieux, seigneur de Chérisy and Muret, and of Agnès, dame de Longpont. Nivelon entered religious orders at a young age and served as the prevot of the Cathedral Chapter of Soissons for over 30 years. After participating in the Fourth Crusade, Nivelon was transferred to the see of Thessalonica, in modern day Greece, and later died in Bari, Italy. Nivelon's confirmation of this land donation is corroborated in at least two histories of the diocese of Soissons; it is interesting to note, however, that both these sources incorrectly date the grant to 1183 instead of 1181.

Philip II's reign witnessed many dynamic changes. Historians credit Philippe Auguste with increasing the prestige of France within Europe by expanding French territorial limits, often to the embarrassment and political detriment of the English. Like Nivelon de Chérisy, Philip II participated in a holy war, but in the Third Crusade (1189-1192).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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