PRINCIPAUTÉ D'ORANGE -- LIVRE CONTENANT les Edictz, Reiglemens & Ordonaces faittes par Son Excellence et sa Cour de Parlement en la Principauté d'Orange. Late 16th, early 17th c. ms. in French on paper by various (3 or 4?) hands. (138) lvs. Sm-fol. Cont. vellum. (Ties fail, a bit waterstained towards end, but in fine condition).
The Principality of Orange was, from 1163 to 1713, a feudal state in Provence (Fr) on the east bank of the river Rhone, north of the city of Avignon, and surrounded by the independent papal state of Comtat Venaissin. As an independent enclave within France, Orange became an attractive destination for Protestants and a Huguenot stronghold. William III of Orange, who ruled England as William III of England, was the last Prince of Orange to rule the principality. William the Silent, later stadtholder in various Dutch regions, became Prince of 'Oranghien' (Orange) in 1544 and founded the Orange-Nassau dynasty - but was only able to exercise real power over the principality since 1559. After his death, it fell to his sons Philip Willem, Maurits and Frederik Hendrik. - This manuscript contains legible copies of together 41 state and legal documents issued by the rulers of Orange (France) from March 1st 1571 up to January 1st 1619 concerning political matters, taxes, religion, etc. - Added: Transcript in pencil in separate binding, written by the consigner, with an index at the end.€ 500