Rare Medieval Document of the Thirteenth Century from the Reign of PHILIP IV (Philippe le Bel) and BONIFACE VIII Papacy

Concerns a sale of lands of Villabon (Cher-Berry) in 1296, in the presence of Robert de Boschere cleric and Andren de Castellote cleric, audit of Maitre André, sale for the benefit of Saint Salingia, master of the parish of Villabon. 

Robert de Boschere appears to have been a cleric involved in a land sale in Villabon (Cher-Berry) in the year 1296. This event was documented in a medieval vellum that references a land transaction in Villabon, where Robert de Boschere was present along with another cleric named Andren de Castellote. This transaction was conducted for the benefit of Pierre de Salingia, who was the master of the parish in Villabon at that time. Unfortunately, the listing for the document on eBay, which contained this information, is no longer available, as it has already been sold.

The region known as Berry, which includes the area of Villabon in the Cher department, has a rich and varied history, especially during the 13th century. During this period, Berry was part of the royal domain of the Kings of France. It had been established as a county by the King of the Franks around the year 750 and became part of the royal domain in 843. By the end of the 13th century, Berry had been fully integrated into the royal domain under the rule of Philip Auguste. 

The duchy of Berry was formally established in 1360 when King Jean II le Bon conferred it as an appanage to his son, Jean I de Berry. Prior to becoming a duchy, Berry underwent several changes in territorial control, including being temporarily part of the duchy of Aquitaine and experiencing a division of its northern territory to limit the power of the duchy of Aquitaine.

Berry's history is closely linked to the Capetian monarchy and France, often passed as an appanage to the children of the king. This meant that while it was part of the royal domain, it could be granted to members of the royal family and used to support them, often being passed between various princes and members of the royal house.

Description: Legal manuscript on Vellum Cursive writing in sepia ink
Age:             Dated 1296
Language:   Latin
Size:             13.4” x 9.5” (34 cm x 24 cm)
Material:     Parchment
Pope era:    Boniface VIII