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- Single gathering of 20 leaves, binding thread visible at sewing holes. Possibly part of a larger ledger. Vertical crease where the gathering was once folded., Numerous 2-4 line initials at the beginning of most paragraphs in elaborate cursive., A manuscript document composed by Belgian magistrate Jean-Baptiste Hauchamps, presenting the conditions of sale for the D’Aywiers Abbey, a Cistercian monastary, in the fief of Rognon (now the commune of Rebecq), a transaction involving the abbey’s last abbess Claire Joseph Demarbaix. The abbey was sold during the French Revolution and subsequently deconstructed for the sale of raw materials. This document is likely the final description of the estate while in Belgian hands. The document includes a description of the lands and numberous buildings spanning over 2000 acres in the valley of Lasne. Founded in 1215 and later part of a religous suppression in 1788 by Emperor Joseph II of Austria (1765-1790), the abbey was offered for sale to bidders near six centuries later for 160,000 French livres. Detailed conditions of the sale are outlined, the sellers hoping to maintain the integrety of th premise and to honor the tenants’ rights with their holdings. Especailly important is the detailed partitioning of the grounds, including orchards, farms, homesteads, pastures, and the “commanderie de vaillampont” (Lodge and land of the Knights Templar near Nivelles). Land measurements are in ancient terms. Aywiers’ last abbess, Dame Claire Joseph Demarbaix (1740-1820) played a part in the sale transaction. Her specific roles are described throughout the document., 1 column of about 17 lines written in large French cursive script., and Purchased by Western Michigan University Special Collections from Voyager Press.
- Date Created:
- 1794-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries