Contract agreement between Claude Focques, Guillume Marchant, and King Charles IX

Building agreement between Claude Focques and Guillume Marchant (master masons and architects) and King Charles IX regarding royal buildings in Noyon-sur-Andelle, Gisors, Normandy. Cursive. Dark brown/black ink. This manuscript contains three different documents which have been sewn together and relate to the same building agreement. Bottom left of each recto has been pierced. First document is 3 pages written in cursive and contains a detailed estimate by Marchant and Focques of the amount of masonry and building materials required in the works at Noyon. Verso of the third page is blank. Second document is a 2 page agreement for work, signed by Claude Focques and Guillme Marchant. Verso of the second page is blank. Third document is a public instrument setting forth the engagement of the two master masons, accompanied by a copy of a letter to Monsieur Durescu from the king apparently stating his approval of Durescu's bargain with G. Marchant and C. Focques and desiring the building to be put in hand at once. It is dated 3 December 1570 and signed by Pauraiy(?) and Parque (notaries?). The verso is blank. The verso of the last page contains a description of the document including the date 1570 and "Noyon." An English translation of the second document and a summary of the first and third documents accompany the manuscript.