1696 Gorgeous, Detailed Manuscript Referencing the Seigneur de Valon

On offer is very detailed manuscript dating from 17th century France.

The manuscript is dated 1696. Although very difficult read, there are some references within that are worth noting. There is a reference to the Seigneur de Valon. Valon is located in the Occitane region of south central France. The site has been occupied by a castle fortress since the mid-1100’s. Although unnamed, records indicate that the castle was in the hands of Estienne De Chaumeil de Dienne.

Our informal research has not found any additional biographical information about the castle's owner. The castle passed through several hands and ceased to be inhabited following the French Revolution. It now belongs to the community as a historical site.

There are several references to an unnamed woman in the manuscript but the context is unclear. Although this is speculation, the document may be a legal document relating to either a marriage, a land dispute or the settlement of property.

For a historian, this document is a connection to the France of Louis XIII, Cardinal Richelieu and the incredible tumult of 17th century Europe. It also ties directly to a beautiful and evocative castle that played a role in the Hundred Years War. It may also offer an insight into legal process extant at that time.

The manuscript is a 4-page document that is completely filled with text. Consistent with its age, there is wear along the edges, several holes, especially where there were folds and some staining. The handwriting is very tight and hard to heard. The document is watermarked and bears a faint seal.