The Isle of France

Sources from old books

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

The ISLE of FRANCE; where are

• Isle of France, — Paris.
• Beauvaisis, Beauvais.
• Valois, Senlis.
• Soissonnois, Soissons.
• Brie, Meaux.
• FRANCE, with its Four Governments (and Provinces therein contained) on this side the Loire; which are
  • • The ISLE of FRANCE, with its parts
      • In the Middle; where are
        • Isle of France,
          • Paris,
          • St. Denis.
        • Valois,
          • Senlis,
          • Crespy in Valois.
      • Towards NORMANDY,
        • Vexin François,
          • Pont Oyse,
          • Maigny,
          • Chaumont, in Vexin.
        • François,
          • St. Germain, in Laye,
          • Poissy,
          • Mante,
          • Meulan,
          • Breux,
          • Monfort l'Amaury.
      • Towards la BEAUCE,
        • Gastinois,
          • Dourdan,
          • Narnours.
        • Hurepoix,
          • Moret,
          • Melun,
          • Corbeil.
      • Towards CHAMPAGNE, Brie Françoise,
        • Menux,
        • Chasteau Thierry.
      • Towards PICARDY,
        • Beauvaisis,
          • Beauvais,
          • Clermont in Beauvaisis.
        • Soissonnois,
          • Soissons,
          • Compeigne,
          • Noyon.
        • Laonnois,
          • Laon,
          • Chauny:

The Isle of FRANCE, made so by the circlings and confluences of the Seine and other little Brooks: It lieth in the heart of all France, where we shall find not only its particular glory, but that of all the Kingdom, to wit, Paris, which for its Riches, Power and number of Inhabitants, may justly contend with any in Europe. It is about 12 miles in circuit, if all the Suburbs are reckoned, and in form rather round than oval; seated on the Seine, and in a Soil so fertil, that not many Cities know so great plenty. It is of no great strength, nor of much consequence in matter of Trade, only contenting themselves with enough to serve the Inhabitants and Court; yet in matter of Coin it giveth rule to all Cities in France, and is another of the three Cities where Exchanges are placed; a convenience for the Nobility, Gentry, and Courtiers, as also for Strangers. The chief ornaments of it are the Palace of the Louvre, so much famoused abroad; besides so many Palaces of the Nobility, amongst the rest that of Luxembourgh, its Palace-Royal, its Church of Nostre Dame, its Ʋniversity, formed by Charlemain in Anno 800, esteemed the first in Europe, containing 55 Colledges, and particularly the Colledge of the Sorbona; also the Halls of Justice, or Courts of Parliament, being as our Courts of Judicature, are all remarkable. Next to this City may be reckoned, 1. St. Dennis, about three miles from Paris, famous for the Sepulchres of the French Kings. 2. Pont-oyse; 3. Meaux; 4. Beauvais, and 5. Soissons. In this Province is the beautiful House and Forest of Fontaine Bleau, built by Henry the Fourth, esteemed not only one of the fairest Palaces in all France, but of Christendom; here is also seated the Royal Mansion of St. Germains and Boys de Vincennes, where the puissant Henry the Fifth finished his days. In this Province is the Dukedom of Valois, whose chief places are Luzarch and Sen-lis: This Country abounds in Vineyards, which yields the sharp Wine called Vin de Paris.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

The Isle of France into 10.

• Isle of France, Properly so calle.
• Brie Francoise
• Hurepois
• Gatinois
• Myntois
• Vexin Francois
• Beauvaisis
• Valois
• Soissonois
• Laonnois

CHAP. V. THE ISLE OF FRANCE, Insula Franciae.

THE Government of the Isle of France, though it be one of the least of extent, is however the most considerable of the whole Kingdom, on account of its fertility and pleasant situation, the great number of stately Palaces, and the Capital City which stands therein; but more especially by being honoured with the presence of the King in his splendid Palaces of Versailles and the Louvre, S. Germains, Fountainbleau, and S. Cloude; all which are seated within the Limits of this Government. The Isle of France, properly so called, lies between the Rivers Seine, Marne, Oise, and Aisne; for which reason the Name of an Island hath been given it. But to make it a Government, some Parts of the Neighbouring Provinces have been added to it; so that at present it is bounded on the East by Champagne, on the West by Normandy, on the North by Picardy, and on the South by Beaus•; extending it self between the 48th Degree, and the 49th Degree, 46 Minutes of Latitude; and includes from West to East, that is to say, from Dreux to Liesse, near 120 miles, and from North to South, viz. from Noyon as far as Tourtenay in Gatinois 100 miles.

The Soil is very fertile in excellent Wheat, Grapes, and other Fruits: There are also divers verdant Plains and spacious Forests, affording abundance of all sorts of Games. The principal Rivers are the Seine, the Marne, and the Oise. The last of these is enlarged with the Waters of the Aisne, that passeth to Soissons, and those of Terrain, which conveys its Streams along the Walls of Beauvais, &c. This Government is usually divided into 10 small Countries, nine of which are taken out of the Provinces of Champagne, Beausse, Normandy, and Picardy.

The Isle of France into 10 small Countries

• The Isle of France, prop.
  • Paris, Archb. cap.
• ...Brie Francoise
  • ...Lagni
• ...Hurepois
  • ...Melun
• Gastinois in part
  • N•mours
• ...Mantois
  • ...Mante
• ...Vexin Francois
  • ...Pontoise
• ...Beauvaisis
  • Beauvais, B.
• ...Valois
  • ...Crespy
• ...Soiss•nnoi
  • Soissons, Bish.
• ...Laonnois
  • Laon, Bish.

In the ISLE OF FRANCE, properly so called, are contain'd these principal Cities and Towns, viz.

• Paris, Archbish. Capital of the whole Kingdom.
• The most remarkable Places of the adjacent Country.
• ...S. Denis
• ...Montmorency.

PARIS, Parisii, aut Lutetia Parisiorum, so called from Lutum Dirt, because of its situation in a marshy Soil, and Parisii the ancient Inhabitants of the Neighbouring Country. To omit the several fabulous Accounts of its Origine, it is certain that it is very ancient: Julius Caesar mentions it in his Commentaries; and Eusebius says, It was older than Rome. The Island in the Seine called la Cite, now the middle of Paris was the first City, built in that place by the Parisii (as some say) to avoid the Ravage of War and Pestilence that raged among them.

It is the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom of France, and at present one of the largest, most populous and flourishing Cities of Europe. The River Seine which passeth through it from East to West, is broad but not deep enough to bring up Ships of Burden, whereof none come higher than Roan, and from whence the Goods are brought hither in Lighters; Its stream is divided by two or three Islands, whereof that call'd la Cité above-mentioned is the chief, and is the Center, round which the additions from time to time have been made of that great number of Houses and Palaces whereof Paris now consists. On the Northside lies that part called la Ville the Town; and on the South the University with the Fauxbourg or Suburbs of S. Germaine, and S. Marcel. The Houses of Paris are mostly built of Stone and Brick, very high and fill'd with People, every Floor often containing a Family, especially in the Old City, where the Stree•s are narrow, but those later built are spacious and neat, especially les Rues Richelieu, and S. Martin, which are very long, strait, and broad.

The whole City, University, and Suburbs of Paris, make an Oval of three English Miles long, and two and a half broad, and consequently take up five and an half square miles of Ground. Concerning the number of Houses and Inhabitants herein contained, French-men talk very largely; but this matter having been Judiciously handled by the Ingenious Sir William Pettye, his computation will be the best account we can give the Reader, which is as follows; He says, The number of Houses are, 23223, together with 32 Palaces, and 33 Colleges, in which do live 81280 Families, and allowing to each Family 6 Persons, the number will be 487680. To prove this account, he argues from the number of Burials in Paris, which according to a reasonable medium, are, 19887 per Annum, whereof 3506 in the Hotel-Dieu unnecessarily, which being deducted, the number of Burials of the Inhabitants, is communibus annis, 16381, and then allowing one of thirty to die Yearly, the number of Souls in Paris will be 491430. The medium of these two accounts is 488055. Whereas in London the same Author proves the number of Inhabitants to be 695718, and the number of Houses 105315. and that London contains above 100 thousand Inhabitants more than Paris and Rouen together. But to proceed,

The places in Paris that most deserve a Stranger's Notice, are the Louvre, the Tuilleries, the Church of Notre-Dame, the University, the Old-Palace, the Town-House, the Place-Royal, the Bastille, Pont-neuf, many stately Palaces of the Nobility, the H•tel-Dieu, and other Hospitals.

The King's Palace, nam'd the Louvre, is a noble and stately pile of Building; It is one large Squ•re with a Court in the middle, the Fronts o• Ston• •••ly adorn'd with Pillars and Carvings. 〈…〉 built by King Philip the August, 〈…〉 beg•n to be Rebuilt of large• Extent by 〈…〉 in the year 1364. Francis I. began the Swi••• •s ••ll and the south Porch, which his Son 〈…〉 ••••'d, and built two Stories over it; he so added an order of Corinthian Architecture to the •••er Front, and adorn'd it with a noble Cornice and curious Carvings. King Henry IV. built a Gallery along by the side of the River quite to the Tuilleries, which is very long, and esteem'd the finest in Europe; Under it is the Royal Printing-house and the Lodgings of many curious Artists in Painting, Carving, Graving &c. who have Pensions from the King. Lewis XIII. finished the Front to the West, and built a large Pavillon, in form of a Dome, in the middle, over the Gate, which is supported by two Ranks of very large Pillars of the Jonick Order; and also adorned the Architrave of the Front to the Court with fine Sculptures. The present King hath bestow'd great cost upon the East-Front, in the middle whereof is the chief Gate of the Palace. Here are forty Columns of the Corinthian Order detachee, which sustain a large Terras, that is to be rail'd with a stately Balustre. The Building is not finished, nor the Lodgings furnished, no body dwelling in it but •ome few Officers, except the French Academy, who have a Hall here to hold their Assemblies in. Behind the Louvre is a large piece of Ground design'd for a Garden, but the King never coming here, some Persons have been permitted to build upon it, so that at present it is full of Houses, which are to be all pull'd down when the Building is finished, and the King fancies to Reside here.

Behind the Louvre at some distance, stands the Palace called les Tuilleri•s, built by Queen Catherine de Medicis, A. D. 1654. and much improved by the pres•nt King. It is one range of Building with a Pavillon at each end, and a Dome in the middle; before it is a handsome large space which is divided into three Courts; and behind are exceeding pleasant Gardens, the Walks whereof are every Evening fill'd with People of Fashion that come hither to take the Air. When the King lies at Paris, which is very seldom, he Lodges in the Tuilleries. These two Palaces are seated in the west part of the Town by the River side; the Garden of the Tuilleries reaching quite beyond the Houses, and is open to the Fields.

The Cathedral Church of Notre-Dame or the Virgin Mary, stands near the middle of the City in the Island which thence hath its Name; it is a Majestick Venerable building of the Gothick order of Architecture. The Foundation was laid A. D. 522. by King Childerick; and the building was afterwards much beautified and enlarged by King Robert and his Successors, till Philip the August finish'd it as it now appears. It is in the the form of a Cross, having a small Spire in the middle, and at the west-end two large square Towers of 389 steps high, flat at top, with Ballustres round, which make the Front very spacious and noble. Over the three West Gates is a row of Niches, in which stand the Statues of 28 Kings of France, Predecessors to Philip. The length of this Church is accounted 66 Fathoms, its breadth 24, and its height 17 Fathoms. The Roof is supported by 120 great Pillars and the whole Building adorn'd with the Ornaments usual to this order of Architecture, besides several Statues, curious Paintings, rich Tapestries, silver Candlesticks &c. that make the inside appear very Glorious. The Prelate of this See was formerly Suffragan to the Archbishop of Sens, till A. 1622. when Lewis XIII. by permission of the Pope, erected it into an Archbishoprick; and •he present King hath added to it the Title of Duke and P•er (A. 1674.) in •our of the present Archbishop.

The University of Paris was first Founded (as 'tis said) by Charlemaign, A D. 791, at the desire of Alcuinus an English-man, his Tutor, who was made the first Professor. It is situate on the South-side of the River, and hath been much encreased by Lewis VII. Philip the August, and several other Persons of lower Rank, particularly Robert Sorbon, who (in the time of St. Lewis, A. D. 1252.) Founded the College called by his Name, which being decay'd, was Rebuilt by Cardinal Richelieu, and made a very beautiful Place. It is esteem'd the strictest College in Europe, the Degree of Doctor in it being only given to those who hold the Sorbonique Act, which is to answer all Disputants from Sun-rise to Sun-set. The title of Sorbon Doctor is of great Repute. The College of Navarre founded by Jane Queen of Navar, is also a very noble Building; and that of the four Nations, founded by Cardinal Mazarine, is very handsome, spacious, and well adorned. The Buildings of the other Colleges, near 30 in number, are not very stately. The Professors have settled Revenues, but the Colleges are not Endowed, except with Privileges and Collation to several Benefices.

It will not be amiss to mention here the Academies for Arts, established in Paris by the favour and encouragement of the present King and his Predecessors. And First, The Academie Fra•coise, is a Society of Ingenious Men, the most Polite and curious Criticks of the Nation; first began in the Year 1620, by Messires Godean, Gombaud, Chapelain, Conrard, and several more, who agreed to meet Weekly at one of their Lodgings for Conversation; these being encouraged by Cardinal Richelieu, set themselves at work to correct and polish the French Tongue, and in 163•, the Academy was Established by the King's Edict, and hath been much Honour'd by the present King, who hath given them a Chamber in the Louvre to hold their Assemblies in. These ingenious Persons have very much improv'd the French Language, and several Members of the Society have published Books that have been very acceptable to the Learned World,

The number of them at present is 40. They give yearly two golden Medals to the best Performers in Eloquence and Poetry.

The Royal Academy of Sciences, was Established by Monsieur Colbert, A.D. 1666, and is composed of the best Philosophers and Mathematicians in the Nation, for whose use the King built the Royal Observatory in the Fauxbourg St. Jacques, where they daily make Experiments, and labour in new Discoveries for the improvement of Knowledge.

The Royal Academy for Painting and Sculpture, was Established by Lewis XIII. and that for Architecture, by the present King in the Year 1671.

But to pass on to the other remarkable Things in Paris. The Palace is the place where the Court of Parliament is held. It was at first the King's Palace, but was made the Seat of this Court by King Philip the Fair. The Hall is Arched with Stone, and supported by Pillars: In it are many Shops for Tradesmen, and beyond it are several Chambers for the respective Courts.

The Hotel de Ville, or Guild-Hall, is a fair Structure; the old one being decayed, this was begun to be built A. D. 1533, but by reason of the Civil War, was not finished till 1610. It is built of Stone, the Front reasonably handsom, but somewhat Gothick; in the middle over the Door there is a Spire, and two Pavillions at the ends; within-side is a spacious Hall and several Chambers.

The Palais Cardinal, or Palace Royal, as it is now called, is a handsom Building, composed of two square Courts and fine Gardens; the Apartments in it are beautiful and convenient. This Palace was built by Cardinal Richlieu, and at his Death bequeathed to the King: The Duke of Orleans dwells in it, altho' he hath another very stately one that bears his Name, which was built by the Widow of Henry IV.

The Place Royal, is a noble large Square, surrounded with Piazza's and very fine Houses.

Paris lying on both sides the Water, there is need of many Bridges, of which here are nine of Stone and two of Timber; that named Pont-neuf, or the New Bridge, is the most considerable, being the finest built and the longest; it is all of Stone, begun to be built in 1578, and finished in 1604, by King Henry IV. whose Statue on Horseback of curious Workmanship stands in the middle.

Pont au Change was built of Stone in 1629, and hath two rows of Houses on it; this being near the Palace, hath the most Passengers of any. Pont-Mary hath Houses on it also. The other Bridges are less considerable.

The Hotel-Dieu is a large Hospital for poor sick People, whereof here are commonly no less than 4000, who are served by the Nuns of St. Augustin: The building is old and not very fine, but the Revenues are very great. There are many other Hospitals; but that which makes the greatest Figure, and is most talk'd of, is,

The Invalides, built by this King for the reception and maintenance of old Crippled and Disabled Soldiers, It is a very noble Building, exactly square, with fine Courts in the middle. It stands in the West end of the Fauxburg St. Germains.

The Bastile is a Castle built in the Year 1360, for defence of the City, but at present serves for a Prison for State Criminals. It stands at the East end of the Town, in the Fauxburg St. Antoine. There are also two smaller Castles, which were anciently Fortresses, and without doubt stood at the limits of the Town, but are now in the middle of it, and serve to hold the Provost's and other Courts in.

The Suburbs of Paris are large and well built; that of St. Germain hath been taken into the City, and enjoys the same Privileges.

For the Civil Government Paris hath a Magistrate call'd the Prevot des Merchands, not unlike our Lord Mayor, ahd 4 Eschevins or Alderman, 26 Counsellors, 10 Serjeants and under Officers; and is divided into 16 Wards. And for administring Justice, there is a Provost, 3 Lieutenants, and the Judge and Consul of Merchants.

In the City and Suburbs are 10 Collegiate and 44 Parochial Churches, 4 principal Abbeys, besides many other Religious Houses, 30 Hospitals, great number of publick Fountains, and 17 Gates.

This City hath undergone the Fate of most Great Ones; viz. Hath been two or three times Besieged, twice Burn'd, and once much Damaged by an Inundation of the Seine. Our King Henry V. took it, was Crown'd here, and kept his Court at the Louvre in great State and Splendor, A. D. 1422. In the Civil War Paris took part with the Leaguers, and was therefore Besieged in the Year 1589. by King Henry III. who there lost his Life, being Murthered by Jacques Clement a Friar. The next Year it was block'd up by Henry IV. and reduc'd to extream Misery, and to that want of Victuals, that the People made Bread of dead Mens Bones; yet would they not yield, but held out till the Dukes of Parma and Mayenne came to their Relief, and forced the King to raise the Siege.

Paris is Situate in the Latitude of 48 Degrees 50 Minutes, and Longitude of 20 Degrees 15 Minutes, reckoning from Teneriffe; but, according to Sanson, 23 Degrees, 30 Minutes; and is distant 130 English miles from Calais to the South, 60 from Roan to the S. E. 300 from Brest to the E. 220 from Lyons to the N. W. 130 from Verdun on the River Meuse, and 230 from Strasburg on the Rhine to the W. 180 from Triers, 155 from Luxemburg, and 140 from Namur to the S. W.

The most remarkable Place in the Neighbourhood is the Bois de Vincennes Situated at the very Gates of Paris, where the Citizens often walk to take the Air, and divert themselves with divers kinds of Sports and Exercises.

VERSAILLES is a small, but neat Burrough, Situate upon a rising Ground in the midst of a Champain Country, fit for Hunting, and abounding with Game, at the distance of about 12 miles from Paris to the W. Lewis XIII. built a small Castle here, to serve for a Hunting-Seat; but the present King fancying the Place, in the Year 1661 began to enlarge it, by the addition of several new Buildings, which he hath encreased from time to time, and hath been at prodigious Expence in adorning it and making the greatest Variety of Water-Works, and most delightful Gardens, that probably are any where to be seen. This beautiful Palace deserves a more particular Description than we have room to make: What follows will be sufficient to give the Reader a general Idea of it.

The Passage to it is through four long Rows of tall Elm-trees, which make three Alleys; the middle one of twenty Fathoms, and the side ones of ten Fathoms wide; at the end of these, on each side, fronting the House, are the Stables, which for Symmetry and Convenience are thought the finest in Europe; in them are kept near five hundred Horses of the King's. Between this and the Court is a large void Space, from whence is a fair View of the whole, all the three Courts being open to the Front, and only divided by Iron Ballustres. The first Court is named the Place-Royal; it is very spacious, being Eighty Fathoms square: In the Front is only a low Wall and Iron Ballustres, which are carried out in a half Moon, and on the Wings are a very handsom Range of Buildings, which are the Lodgings of some of the Nobility that attend the Court. From hence you pass through one large Gate (very finely adorn'd with Trophies in Iron-work gilt) in the middle of a large and high Ballustre of Iron, gilt, into the first or great Court of the Palace, which consists also of two Wings of Building, on each side of a large Court, but so much smaller than the Place-Royal, as that that does not hinder the full sight of this; in the middle is a very large Fountain: The Buildings are of Brick and Stone, very stately, and adorn'd with very fine Carvings, and Pillars of the Corinthian Order, which support Balconies at the top, that go quite round each Wing; on the Ballustre whereof stand several Statues of Stone, representing the Four Elements; these are the Lodgings of the Officers of the Houshold: Behind them are square Courts and other Buildings for Offices. Next is the second or smaller Court of the Palace, which is also open to the Front; the Ground is raised three steps, and paved with black and white Marble: This Court is still smaller than the former, for the same Reason; and here the Sight is terminated by the Building at the end of the Court, which with the two Wings make the Royal Apartment. These Buildings are very magnificent, without side as well as within: The Entrance is by three Doors of Iron, richly wrought and gilt: In the Wings are two v•ry noble Stair-Cases that lead to the Lodgings, in which appear all the Pomp and Beauty that the most curious Sculptures and Paintings by the greatest Masters of the Age, together with excessive rich Furniture, can make: Behind this, and fronting the Garden, is a noble Range of Building, adorned with Statues and Carvings, and a Piazza of one hundred Yards in length. The Gardens are extream delightful, and surpass all other for pleasant Walks and great number of Fountains, in which the Water is diversified a thousand ways, through a multitude of Marble and Copper Statues, that represent abundance of curious Devices, as the Triumphal Arch, the Water Mountain, the Theatre, the Pyramid, the Basin of Ceres, the Basin of Flora, the Basin of Apollo, the Basin of Saturn, the Basins of the Crown, Mermaid, Dragon, the Water-Bower, the Watter-Alley, many of the Fables of Aesop represented by Figures, which spout Water; together with abundance more too long to mention. Besides these Fountains here is a very large Canal, in which Yachts and Gallies sail and row to and again: On one side of the Canal stands a fine Summer-house called Trianon, and on the other side is the Menagerie, where are kept all the Outlandish Beasts of greatest Rarity. Every part of this House and Garden is perfectly beautiful, and gives Satisfaction to the most curious Spectators.

S. Germain en Laye, is a very fair Town pleasantly seated on an Hill near the River Seine, and the Wood of Laye at the distance of 15 Miles from Paris to the West, and 4 from Poissy. It is adorn'd with two stately Palaces, the Old and the New, in which the French Kings have often resided: The Gardens and Waterworks were formerly much celebrated, but since those of Versailles have been made, they are less regarded. In this Palace were born Henry II. A. D. 1513. Charles IX. in 1550. and Lewis XIV. on the 5th Day of September, 1638. A Peace was concluded here between the said Lewis XIV. the King of Sweden and the Elector of Brandenburgh on the 29th day of June, 1679.

About a League from S. Germain, toward Paris, stands The Wood of Treason, le Bois de la Trahison, so called from a Plot there contrived by one Ganelon, against the House of Ardennes, the Peers of France, and the chief Generals of the Emperor Charlemagne, which was afterward put in Execution at the Battle of Roncevaux near the Pyrenean Mountains. This Wood is divided by a large Road or High-way. There are also divers other considerable Towns not far from Paris particularly those of Ruel, S. Maur S. Cloud, where the King hath another Palace, Meudon, Vanvres, Constans, Gonesse, Montmarte, &c. besides.

S. Dennis, Fanum Sancti Dionysii, a small Town water'd with the Streams of a Rivulet, called La Croae, which a little below falls into the Seine, and adorn'd with a most famous Abbey, founded by King •agobert I. as also a stately Church, which the same Prince erected, A. C. 636. in hononour of S. Denis, the Patron or Tutelar Saint of France, whose Body was interred therein. But this Church being in time fallen to decay, Abbot Sugger caused it to be rebuilt in a larger Form, as it now appears, within the space of three Years and three Months, under the Reign of Lewis VII. as it is Recorded in the Acts of the said Sugger. It was finished A. D. 1144. and hath been since very remarkable for its Treasure, and the sumptuous Tombs of the French Monarchs. The Town was formerly of larger extent than at present. It is a little way distant from the Seine to the East, and 8 miles from Paris to the North.

Montmorency, M•nmorenciacum aut Mons Morentiacus, a small Town distant about 12 Miles from Paris to the North West, stands on an Hill, and hath imparted its Name to a very pleasant and fruitful Valley; as also to an illustrious Family that Founded the Church of S. Martin. Indeed Montmorency is the principal Barony of the Realm, and the first Territory dignified with this Title, which was heretofore conferred only on Princes, and whereon (as they say) above 600 Mannors in Fee sometime depended. Afterward King Henry II. erected it into a Dutchy, A.D. 1551. in Favour of Anne de Montmorency Constable of France; and when this Family was extinct, Lewis XIII. bestowed the same Title on Henry of Bourbon, Prince of Conde, in 1633. This Town was burnt by the English in 1358.

BRIE-FRANCOIS, Bria Francica, lies between the Rivers Seine and Marne; it is a very fertile Country in Corn, Fruits, &c. The Principal Towns are these, viz.

• ...Lagny.
• ...Brie Comte Robert.
• ...Rosoy.
• ...Ville-Neuve St. George.

LAGNY, Latiniacum, is a large Town situated on the River Marne, over which it hath a fair Stone-bridge 17 Miles from Paris to the East, 4 from Gournay sur Marne, and 12 from Meaux to the South-West. It enjoys the Title of a County; in it is a Famous Monastery of Benedictin Monks Founded by S. Fursi or Fou•si, a Scotch Gentleman, in the Eighth Century. This Town was ruin'd by the Normans in the Ninth Century, but Herbert of Vermandois repair'd it, caused the Church to be rebuilt, and was buried therein, A. C. 993. Many other noble Men were likewise Benefactors to the same Abbey, and Ives, Legate of the See of Rome, held a Council in it, A. D. 1142.

Brie-Comte-Robert, Bria-Comitis-Robert, is a Town of small extent, built near the Brook Yerre, in a very Fruitful Country, 15 Miles from Paris to the South-East, wherein is established a Court of Judicature depending on the Castelet of Paris. It is also supposed to have been the Place of Nativity of Pope Martin IV.

Rosoy, Rosetum, is seated upon the same Rivulets Yerre above Brie-Comte-Robert, 20 Miles from Meaux to the South, and somewhat more from Paris to the South-East.

Ville-Neuve S. George, Villa-Nova Sancti Georgii, is a small Burgh standing near the River Seine, 10 Miles from Paris to the South, and about 8 from Corbeil.

HƲREPOIS, Hurepaesium, constitutes part of of the Provostship and Vicounty of Paris, beginning at the Seine under the little Bridge, and extending it self along the side of the River to Corbeil, between Beausse to the West, Brie to the East, and Gatinois to the South. The chief Towns are these, viz.

• Melun, Cap.
• ...Corbeil,
• ...La Ferte-Alois,
• Fontaine-bleau, &c.

MELƲN, Melodunum, a very fair, large and populous Town, is seated on the Seine, at the distance of 8 Miles from Corbeil, 33 from Sens to the North-West, and 25 from Paris to the South. It is built on an Island, and on both sides of the River, after the manner of Paris, which gave occasion to the Proverb, Apres Paris Melun. It is without doubt a Place of much An•iquity, and was considerable in the time of Julius Caesar, as is declared by him in his Commentaries. It is well Fortified with a Castle, encompassed with large Suburbs, and adorned with a great number of beautiful Churches, particularly the Collegiate dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Parochial of S. Stephen. S. Aspar, and S. Ambrose, besides the Abbey of S. Peter and divers other Monasteries. Moreover it bears the Title of a County, and hath given its Name to an Illustrious Family, from whence have sprung many Prelates and Officers of the Crown. The Normans sacked this Town, A. C. 845. the English Forces took it after a Siege of 4 or five Months in 1420. and it suffered much damage during the Civil Wars of France in the XVI Century, but hath since recovered its former Splendor.

Corbeil, C•rbelium, aut Corvolium, olim Josedum, stands also on the Banks of the Seine, which receives into its Channel the Waters of the Juine, or River of E•ampes, being distant 7 Miles from Melun, 15 from Fontaine-bleau to the North, and as many from Paris to the South. It was heretofore a Roman Colony, and took its Name from Corvulo Governor of the Gauls. It was governed by its own Counts since the X and XI Centuries, of whom one named Aimoin founded the Church of S. Spire, and established therein a College of 12 Canons in memory of the 12 Apostles; b•• hath been united to the Crown ever since the time of Lewis the Gross, and hath still the Title of a County: Here is a fair Stone-bride of nine Arches over the Seine.

Fontaine-bleau, Fons Bellaqueus, seu Fons Aquae Pulchrae, is a very fair Town distant about 3 Miles from the Seine, 18 from Melun, and 30 from Paris to the South: Near this place is situated the Forest of Bicure, containing 26000 Acres of Ground, together with many Herds of Deer and all sorts of Game; in the midst of which large Wood of high Trees stands the Royal Palace of Fontain-bleau, taking its Name from the great number of Springs, of clear Water and Fountains that appear on all sides. A Castle was first erected here by King Lewis VII. A. D. 1169. but Francis I. began to beautifie it with divers sorts of Ornaments, more especially a curious Library which was afterwards transported to Paris, and his Successors continuing in the same design, have since rendered it one of the most magnificent Seats of Europe. About 3 Leagues from Fontaine-bleau, is another stately Mansion-House or Palace known by the Name of Fleury. which is remarkable for a large Canal of Spring-water enclosed with Walls on both sides, a large Walk shaded with Trees, that seem to be joined together in an admirable Arbour, &c.

The Territory of GATINOIS, Vastinium, lies to the South of Hurepois bordering on Beausse. It derives its Name from the Rocks and Sands which the Inhabitants of the Country call Gastines: Part of this Province belongs to the Government of the Orleannois; that part that belongs to this Government of the Isle of France, contains these principal Towns. viz.

• Nemours, Cap.
• ...Dourdan,
• ...Courtenay,
• ...Moret,
• ...Montheri,
• ...Mo•targis.

NEMOƲRS, Nemosium, aut Nemoracum, is Situated in a Plain on the River Loing, and defended with an old Castle, being distant 10 Miles from Fontaine-bleau, 15 from Montargis, and 40 from Paris to the South. The most considerable publick Edifices, are, the Priory of S. John, and the Abbey of Nostro Dame de la Joye, possessed by Nuns of the Cistercian Order. This Town was heretofore subject to the Jurisdiction of certain particular Lords, and afterward to that of its Counts; until, at length, Charles VI. caused it to be enclosed with Walls, and erected the adjacent Territory into a Dutchy, A. D. 1404.

Dourdan, Durdanum aut Dardincum, is a small Town seated on the Frontiers of Beausse on the River Orge, 26 Miles from Paris toward Orleans, and 28 from Nemours to the North-West. It at first was part of the Possessions of Hugh Capet, but hath been since often pawn'd and sold, and at last bought by Lewis XIII. It was also very much infested during the Civil Wars, and taken by the Protestants in the Years 1562 and 1567.

Courtenay, Curtiniacum and Corteniacum, stands on an Hill on the Banks of the Rivulet Clairy, between Sens to the East, and Montargis to the West, about 56 Miles from Paris to the South. This Town, thô of very small compass, hath nevertheless imparted its Name to divers Princes, whose Actions are celebrated in the the French History, and of whom some have been Emperors of Constantinople.

Montargis, Montargium, aut Mons Argi, is a very fair Town built at the Foot of a Hill, watered with the River Loing, and fenced with an old Castle, which was Re-built by Charles V. being distant 25 Leagues from Paris to the South towards Nevers, and 18 from Orleans to the East. It is annexed to the Demesns of the Crown, and bears the Titles of a Balliage, Election and Provostship. It was Built in the Year 1522, and afterward Rebuilt and enlarged.

MANTOIS, Meduntanus Ager, is extended from St. Germain to the Frontiers of Normandy, along the sides of the River Seine, and includes within its Territories these considerable Towns, viz.

• Mante, Cap.
• ...Poissy,
• ...Montfort l' Am••ry,
• ...Meulan,
• ...St. Germain en Laye.

MANTE, Medunta, is seated on the South side of the River Seine, which is there cover'd with a Stone Bridge, near the Frontiers of Normandy; from whence it is distant only 6 miles, and also 25 from Evreux to the East, and 30 below Paris to the North-West. In this Town died King Phillip the II. Surnamed the August, on the 14th day of July, A. D. 1223.

Poissy, Pisciacum, is a small Town situated near the Confluence of the Oise and the Seine, at the distance of 15 miles from Paris to the North-east, toward Rouen. It is famous for the Nativity of Lewis IX. King of France, who was born there A. D. 1215, and on the account of a Conference held between the Roman Catholicks and Protestants, under Charles IX. Here are establish'd divers Religious Houses, and among others a Convent of Nuns of the Dominican Order, founded by Phillip the Fair, &c.

Montfort L' Amaury, Montfortium Amalrici, took the name of Amaury from that of its Lords, and stands on an Hill, the foot whereof is watered with the streams of a little River; 27 miles from Paris to the West toward Druex, and 15 from Mante to the South. King Robert caus'd a Castle to be erected here, which is now half ruin'd, and enclos'd the Town with Walls.

VEXIN-FRANCOIS, Veximum, aut Velcassinum Franciscum, is extended between the Rivers Oise and Depte, including these Towns, within its Jurisdiction.

• Pontoise Cap.
• ...Magny.
• ...Chaumont

PONTOISE, Pontisara, seu Pons ad Oesiam, is situated on a Hill and the Banks of the Oise, between L'Isle Adam and the confluence of this River, with that of the Seine, 20 miles from Paris to the North-west towards Rouen. It is a place of considerable importance, and adorned with a fair Stone Bridge over the Oise, from whence its name is derived.

Magny, Magniacum, stands on the confines of Normandy, in the midst between Paris and Rouen, at an equal distance of 34 miles from both these Citys.

Chaumont, Calvomontium, aut Calvus Mons, is a small Town between Beauvais to the South and Mante to the North, being distant 12 miles from the first, and 20 from the last, and 16 from Pontoise to the North.

BEAƲVOISIS, Bellovacensis Ager, lies between the River Oise and the Frontiers of Normandy, to the North of Vexin Francois, containing these Towns, viz.

• Beauvais Bish. Cap.
• ...Clermont.
• ...Gerberoy.
• ...Merlou.

BEAƲVAIS, Bellovacum, aut Coesaromagus, is seated on the River Therin, at the distance of 43 miles from Paris to the North, as many from Rouen to the East, 30 from Compeign, and 15 from the Borders of Picardy. It is a large and well fortified City and Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Rheims, the Bishop whereof is one of the twelve Ecclesiastical Peers of the Realm. It is Honourably mentioned by Caesar, who says that the People of this Territory were very powerful and withstood him the longest. This is called the Maiden City having been always faithful and not suffer'd it self to be taken. Our English Forces attempted to surprize it, A. D. 1433, but did not effect it. Nor did Charles the Warlike, Duke of Burgundy, prove more successful when he besieged it in 1472, being forced to raise the Siege 26 days after his Trenches were Open'd. However, violent Commotions often arose in this City on the account of Religion, during the Civil Wars of France in the last Age. It is a place of good Trade, which consists in Stuffs, Cloaths, Earthen Ware, &c. The Bishop was formerly sole Temporal as well as Spiritual Lord of the City and adjacent Country; but since 1539, a Bailiwick and Presidial have been establish'd here. However the Bishop hath still great Power, and is Temporal Lord of the Borough Gerberoy, and rich in great endowments.

Clermont, Cleromontium, or Clermont en Beauvoisis, for Distinction, is built on a rising ground and the sides of the River Breches, 16 miles from Beauvois to the East, 14 from Compeigne to the West, and 10 from Senlis to the North. It hath been dignified with the Title of a County ever since the time of Robert of France, Son of St. Lewis and Count of Clermont, from whom the Royal House of Bourbon is deriv'd,

Gerberoy, Gerboredum, stands on the Frontiers of Picardy, 8 miles from Beauvais to the North-West. In the Reign of our Henry VI. A. D. 1435. the Engglish lost a Battle near this Town. Merlou is a Borough seated on the River Terain, or Therin, 4 or 5 miles from Clermont.

The Duchy of VALOIS, Valesium, extends it sel in the Isle of France, between Beauvoisis, Soissonnois and Leonnois containing within its Limits these principal Citys and Towns, viz.

• Crespy. Cap.
• Senlis Bish.
• ...Compeigne.
• ...La ferte Milon.
• ...Pont Sainte Maixance.
• Villers Cotterets, &c.

CRESPY, Crepiacum, aut Crispeium, formerly a very considerable City, now a Town of a small compass, nevertheless the chief of the Country of Valois, and hath in it a Provostship and Castellany; it is distant 32 miles from Paris to the North-east, 15 from Meaux to the North, and 12 from Compeign to the South. In this Town a memorable Treaty of Peace was concluded between the Emperor Charles V. and King Francis I. on the 18 day of September, A. D. 1544. The ancient Counts of Valois had the Title of Counts of Crespi also, and used to reside here in a Castle said to be built by King Dagobert, which is now almost Ruin'd.

Senlis, Sylvanectum, is situated in a very pleasant place on the Brook Nonnette, near the Forest of Rets, which gives occasion to its Latin Name, 25 miles from Paris to the North, 16 from Compeigne to the South, 5 from the River Oise, and 25 from Beauvais to the South-east, It is a considerable City, being the Capital of the County, or Bailiage of Senlis, and the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Archbishop of Rheims. St. Proculus Converted the Inhabitants to the Christian Religion, and was the first Bishop of this Diocess. The Cathedral is Dedicated to the Virgin Mary; here are also 7 Parochial and two Collegiate Churches. The City of Senlis was Besieged by the Leaguers in 1679 but they were beaten thence, and a signal Battle fought on that occasion between the Duke of Longueville, who Commanded the King's Forces, and the Duke of Aumale, one of the Principal Heads of the League, wherein the latter lost 1500 Men.

Compeigne, Compendium, stands on the Banks of the River Oise, which a little above falls into the Aime, and near the Forest of Guise, at the distance of 15 miles from Senlis, 40 from Paris 10 the North, 16 from Nayon, 20 from Soissons to the West, 30 from Beauvais to the East. It had a stately Castle, which was the seat of several of the Kings of France; of these Charles II. Surnamed the Bald, Emperor, founded a famous Monastery, and repaired and beautified the whole Town, and call'd it Carolopolis. It is still a considerable Town, and a Place of good Trade, several Manufactures being made in it. The famous Maid of Orleans, J•a• of Arcke, was taken Prisoner here by the English, when they besieged it in 1430.

Ferte-Milon, Firmitas Milonis, is water'd by the Rivulet Oure, or Oureque, and stands between Meaux Soissons and Senlis, 35 miles from Paris to the North-east, and 40 from Rheims to the West. It was so called, as it were the Force or Fortress of Count Milon, who built it under the Reign of Lewis the Gross; afterwards it was possessed by Hugh the Great, the Son of King Henry I. Count of Vermondois, Valois, &c. who founded the Priory of Voulgis. It is a good Town, and hath large Suburbs and a strong Castle. It was very much impair'd during the Civil Wars, in the end of the XVI Century. A Provostship and Castlea•y is establish'd here, from whence Appeals lye to the Presidial Court of Senlis.

SOISSONOIS, S••ssi•nensis Ager, lyes between Valois and Laonnois, and hath these chief Towns, viz.

• Soissons Bish. Cap.
• ...Braine.
• Velly, &c.

SOISSONS, Suess••es, sive Suessones & Augusta Suessonum, is a very fair, large and well fortified City, seated on the River A•sne, at the distance of about 16 miles from the Frontiers of Picardy and Champagne, 24 from Reims to the West, 22 from Compeigne to the East, 30 from Meaux to the North, and 50 from Paris to the North-east. In the time of the first Race of the French Kings, it was the Capital City of a Kingdom of the same Name; afterward it bore the title of a County, and was annexed to the Government of Picardy as well as Laon, although they now depend on that of the Isle of France. It is at present the seat of a presidial Court, and a Generality, as also the See of a Bishop, who is the first Suffragan to the Archbishop of Reims, and in his absence hath a right to Crown the Kings of France. The Country hereabouts is very fruitful in Corn.

Braine, Brennacum, aut Brana, is a small Town and Abby on the River V•sle, between Fimes to the East, and Soissons to the West, about 10 miles from each, and 5 from the River Aisne to the South.

Veilly stands on the Aisne 10 miles above Soissons, a small Town and not considerable.

LAONNOIS, Ladunensis Ager is extended between part of Champagne, Picardy, Beauvoises and Soissonois, including these principal Cities, Towns, &c. viz.

• La•n Bish. Cap.
• ...•••y.
• ...•iesse.
• Noyon Bish.
• ...Chauni.
• Premontre, &c.

LAON, Laodunum, aut Lugdunum, Clavatum, is a large well fortified City, and an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Rheims; this Bishop is one of the ancient Ecclesiastical Peers of the Realm, enjoys the title of a Duke, and hath a right to carry the Sacred Vial la St. Ampo•le, at the Coronation of the Kings of France. It was at first only a Castle built at the top of an high Hill, and called Laudunum, from a Name commonly attributed by the Gauls to all places of such Situation, but in time grew to be a pretty good Town, which King Clovis the Great enlarged and made a City, and St. Remigius or Remi of Reims erected the Bishoprick and founded a Cathedral Church, on which at present depend 84 Canons, of which four are Dignitaries. This City is distant 30 miles from Paris to the North-east, 18 from Soissons, 35 from Compeign to the East, and 30 from Rheims to the North west.

Liesse, Laetitia is a small Town on the Frontiers of Picardy and Champagne, about 8 miles from Laon, to the East. It is chiefly famous on the account of the Pilgrims that frequently resort hither from divers parts to pay their Devotions in a Church Dedicated to the Virgin Mary; where even the Kings of France have used to pay their Devotions as soon as they came to the Crown without which they believed they had not the Power to cure the King's Evil.

Noyon, Noviodunum Noviomagus, aut Noviomum, is situated on the Rivulet Verte, which a little below falls into the Oise, at the distance of 20 miles from Soissons to the North-west, 25 from Laon to the West, and 55 from Paris to the North. The Archbishoprick of Vermand•is was translated hither A. C. 520 when Agusta Vermanduorum, or St. Quintin, the Metropolis of that Diocess, was ruin'd by the Barbarians. Noyon is a well-built City adorned with fair Buildings and Magnificent Churches, the chief of which is the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, besides a great number of Fountains, and four Suburbs. This Bishop and Jurisdiction over all Flanders before Tournay was erected into a See. He is still Count and Peer of France. It may not be amiss to Note that the famous John Calvin was born here, A. 1509.

Chauny, Calniacum, stands on the Banks of the River Oise, about 6 miles from Noyon to the East, and somewhat less from La Fere to the South. It is a Royal Town and a Castleany, although of a small compass. It was annexed to the Crown by Charles V. A. D. 1378.

Premontre, Praem•nstratum, is a Village distant 8 miles from Laon to the West, about 16 from Noyon to the East, and 15 from Soissons to the North. It took its Name from a Famous Abby of Canons Regular of St. Augustin, Founded there by St. Norbert, sometime Archbishop of Magdeburg.

The Isle of France, with the Soissonnois, Laonnois, Beauvaisis, &c. hath for Governor General, the Duke D' Estrees; of the City, Vicounty and Provostship of Paris, the Duke di Greves, besides which there is a Grand Provost of Paris and the Isle of France, properly so called; 4 Lieutenant-Generals in Beauvaisis, and Vexin Francois, a Baily of Valois, about 20 Governors of the King's Houses, and particular Governors of Beauvais, Compeign, Marle, Laon, Noyon, and Soissons, Villers, Senlis, Crespi, en Valois, &c.