Henry III

Single sheet, vellum ( 8 5/8 x 13 3/8 in.; 220 x 340 mm), plus the lower 48 mm folded up, twenty-two lines written in a fine documentary script, with a large green wax Great Seal of Henry III pendent on green and brown oven threads with original(?) red silk seal bag; two horizontal and two vertical folds, a few very small holes, part of the seal defective.

Single sheet, vellum ( 8 5/8 x 13 3/8 in.; 220 x 340 mm), plus the lower 48 mm folded up, 22 lines written in a fine documentary script, with a large green wax Great Seal of Henry III pendent on green and brown oven threads with original(?) red silk seal bag; two horizontal and two vertical folds, a few very small holes, part of the seal defective.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A historically significant document with an exceptionally fine seal.

By this charter King Henry grants to Sir John de Vaux (de Vallibus) (d.1287), for faithful service, various properties of his enemies and rebels (“inimicorum et rebellium nostrorum”) led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester: the manor of Benefield in Northamptonshire, which had been Humfrey de Bassingbourne’s; the manors of Holt & Cley, Norfolk, which had been Simon son of Simon’s; and the manor of Flordon in the same county, which had been Robert Botevyleyn’s; and other itemised lands and properties. The charter is endorsed “De Holt & Cley et aliis terris”; Holt and Cley are on the north Norfolk coast. It was witnessed by a roll-call of names including some of Henry’s most trusted allies and England’s most powerful men, including Walter Giffard (d.1279), bishop of Bath and Wells, subsequently archbishop of York; Hugh Bigod (d.1266), Justiciar of England 1258–60; Philip Basset (d.1271), Justiciar of England 1261–?; Roger de Leybourne (d.1271); Sir Robert Aguillon (d.1286); and others.