TESTEFORT (Estienne and his son Marin, of Le Buis-les-Baronnies, southern Dauphiné, now in Drôme)

Notarial extract from their quitclaim of 1604, in French with transcription and translation, also on behalf of another son Ciprian, agreeing the receipt of 20 écus (60 livres) from Antoine de Sainte-Marthe at the latter's house in Montbrun-les-Bains, made up of 3 loads of corn (his first instalment, due at Michaelmas 1603) worth 8 écus 48 sous, 2 écus which Sainte-Marthe has paid to "M. de Montbrun", (Jean-Aleman DUPUY, 1567-1657, from 1620 1st Marquis) "for the produce of Ferrassières" 2 miles SE of Montbrun, the rest in coins, 'sezains' (6-denier or half-sou pieces) and other small change, swearing "by their repute, substance and deed" to renounce all recourse to the local courts to reclaim it, the original made at Montbrun, this copy 2 sides small folio, Le Buis-les-Baronnies, 21st March

Drawn up by notary M. Faure and witnessed by the parties, also by Henri Jehan, notary, and Jacques Augier of Montbrun. This copy signed by notary Melchion, who confirms its comparison with the original and immediate return "to Monsieur Blaize Duserre guardian of the heirs of the late Ciprian", and a second production to David Teste as attorney for Antoine Destampes "at the desire yesterday of Monsieur N Urbain of Le Buis ... to serve Marin Testefort in a matter of law".
Le Buis and Montbrun are in the very hilly country to the N and E of Mont Ventoux. Jean-Aleman, son of Charles (1530-1575, 'le brave Montbrun', Protestant leader), was brought up at the court of Navarre. In the wars of religion he took Grenoble in 1590 'with a certain feeling' as his father had been beheaded there, and after Henri IV's compromise helped pacify the Comtat Venaissin with his company of light cavalry. The 'produce ['sortie'] of Ferrassières' is probably oak or beech.

Item Date:  1630

Stock No:  19299      £175

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