Savoy

Sources from old books

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

Savoy.

This Country, formerly the abode of the Allobroges, is said to have been called Savoy, after one of its Princes had drove away the Robbers. It is full of Mountains, which we generally call the Alpes, tho' several Branches there have their peculiar Names. Mount Cenis, and the lesser St. Bernard, make the two principal Passages for Italy. 'Tis very cold in these parts; the Inhabitants, by reason of their drinking the Snow-water, are subject to the Goitre, which is a swelling of the Throat, proceeding from the crudity of that Water. Nevertheless there are several Places in this Country both very pleasant and very fertile. The Mountains have Marmotes, which are seldom seen elsewhere: they are great Rats, who have short Legs, rugged Hair, the Mouth and Ears of a Squirrel, four Teeth long and cutting; they sleep full six Months of the Year, without taking in any Food or Nourishment.

Savoy is reckon'd for the Principal and most Noble Dutchy of Christendom; It's certain, that its Dukes have had Alliances with all that's Royal in Europe. After the Houses of England and France, that of Savoy is one of the most ancient: Ame the eighth had reason to say, that he had Princes to his Vassals: Most of the Gentlemen of his Dominions come from the Emperours of the East and West, from the Kings of Italy, from the Princes of Morea, from the Counts of Geneva. The Power of the Dukes of Savoy is so much the more considerable, in that they are Masters of several Passages from France into Italy, by the possession of Piedmont, of the County of Niece, and other Seigneuries.

Under Savoy is comprehended Genevois, Choblais, Faussigni, Tarentaise, Maurienne, part of Bugey. Chambri is the Capital of the Dutchy and the Seat of a Parliament. Montmelion is the strongest in it, with a Cittadel, which covers the head of almost an inaccessible Mountain, where the Keys of Savoy are said to be kept. Anneci is the Residence of the Bishop of Geneva. Ripaille was the retreat of Felix the Fourth, before and after his Pontificate. This Prince liv'd there with his Friends in such a disapplication from Affairs, that since People say Faire Ripaille, when they are merry, and without disquiet.

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

SAVOY, Sabaudia.

THE Province of Savoy is one of the most Illustrious Sovereign Dutchies of Europe, being bounded on the North by the Lake of Geneva, Switzerland and the County of Burgundy, on the West by the Province of Dauphine, on the South by part of Dauphine and of Piedmont, and on the East by the same Principality of Piedmont. It is extended from South-east to North-west, for the space of about 34 Leagues, and 24 from West to East.

This Province was heretofore inhabited by divers People, viz. The Centrones, Brannovicii, Antuates, or Nantuales, Latobriges, Alobroges & Savoyards, constituting part of Gallia Narbonnensis, and of Gallia Celtica, or Lugdunensis. Afterward it was subject to the Romans, until the declining of that Empire, under the Reign of Honorius, it became a Prey to many Barbarous Nations. Some time after it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Burgundy, and from thence pass'd under the Dominion of those Princes, that are the present Possessors thereof. Berold, or Bertold, who lived in the beginning of the XIth Century, is the Stock from whence sprang this most Noble Family. Howsoever different the Opinions of Historians may seem to be with respect to these Circumstances, we ought to adhere to that of Guichenon, confirm'd and authoriz'd by above 80 other Authors of the German, Italian, French and Savoisian Nations. They unanimously agree, that this Berold was descended from Wittikind, the great Duke of Saxony and Angria, the Father of Wittibert Duke of Angria, who begat Bruno and Valpert. This last in like manner Duke of Angria and Count of Ringolbert, left Immed Duke of Eugern, to whom Hinna Countess of Chiren, brought forth Hugh Marquess of Italy, the Father of the said Berald, Count or Earl of Savoy and Maurienne, after whom succeeded Humbert, sir-nam'd White-hands. Their Successors added divers Demeans to their former Possessions, and the Emperor Sigismund erected them into a Dutchy, A. D. 1416, in favour of Amedeo VIII. The Dukes of Savoy, who derive the original of their Extraction from the House of Saxony, are at present stiled Kings of Cyprus, ever since Lewis of Savoy married the only Daughter of John King of that Island. They also bear the Title of Vicars of the Empire since the time of Amedeo the Great. Some Writers, particularly Mr. Chorier and Du Bouchet affirm, that there never was any such Person as the above-mention'd Berold of Saxony; and that Humbert was the Grand-son of the Emperor Lewes the Son of Boson.

The Air of this Country is cool by reason of the great number of Mountains that are always cover'd with Snow; nevertheless the Hills and Valleys are fruitful in Corn and Grapes: The Mountains serve only for Pasture, feeding many Herds of Cattle, and affording much variety of Game; for here is found good store of Stags, Fallow-Deer, Roe-Bucks, Wild-Boars, Bears, Marmotes, White-Hares and others; red, white and gray Partridg•s, Wood-hens and Pheasants. The Lakes, in like manner supply the Inhabitants with divers sorts of Fish, more e•pecially Trouts, Pikes and Carps: Neither are there wanting Wall-nut and Chess-nut Trees, besides Forests full of other kind of Timber Trees. The most considerable Rivers are the Isere, Arche and Arve; and the principal Lakes are those of Bourget and Annecy. The Savoyards are an industrious People, courteous, and of a gentle Disposition. The Persons of Quality retain somewhat of a Noble and Majestick Meen, and they all profess the Roman Catholick Religion.

The chief Trading of these Parts consists in Paper, Fustians, raw Silks, Hides, Cloths, Linnen, Thread, Iron-work, Fir-Trees for Masts of Ships, and other valuable Commodities.

The Territories of Savoy are divided into eight Parts or Provinces.

• Three toward the South.
  • Savoy, properly so call'd,
  • The Valley of Maurienne.
  • The Valley of Tarantaise.
    • Chambery, Cap.
    • S. John of Maurienne, B. Montiers, Archbish.
• Three toward the North.
  • The County of Geneva.
  • The County of Fossigny.
  • The County of Chablais.
    • ...Annecy.
    • ...Bonneville.
    • ...Ecluse.
    • ...Thonon.
• Two toward the East.
  • The Dutchy of Aoste.
  • The County of Cenaveis,
  • or Valley of Sallasses.
    • Aoste, Bish.
    • ...Rivarol.
• In Bugey,
  • S. Gens de Hoste.
  • ...Champagne.
  • ...Yenne.

In the Dutchy of Savoy, properly so call'd, are compris'd the chief Towns, viz.

• Chambery, Cap.
• ...Montmeillan,
• ...Beaufort,
• ...Aix,
• ...Rumilly,
• ...Les Eschelles,
• ...Vigne,
• ...Constans,
• ...Aignebele,
• ...Miolans,
• ...Chatelar,
• ...La Rochete.

CHAMBERY, Cameriacum, aut Camerium, is situated at the Confluence of the Rivulets of Laisse and Albans, or Orbane, in a Plain, at the distance of 2 Leagues from Montmeillan to the South, as many from the Lake Bourget to the North, 27 from Grenoble in France to the North-east, 44 from Geneva to the South, 55 from Lyons to the West, 100 from Turin to the North-west, and 270 from Paris to the South-east. This Town is the Capital of the Dutchy of Savoy, and formerly the usual place of Residence of the Dukes. It is not very large, yet well-built, the greater part of the Houses forming Galleries that hang over the Streets, so that one may pass thro' them at all times shelter'd from the extream heat of the Sun, and the Storms of Rain. The publick Buildings are in like manner very beautiful, particularly an ancient Cast•e; the principal Church dedicated to S. Leger, together with some others, many Monasteries, and a College of Jesuits. Here are also several Springs, which take their rise out of S. Martin's Hill, and spread abroad their Streams through different quarters of the Town; besides which conveniency, there are divers Channels of the River Orbane. On the Eastern-side stand the Suburbs of Montmeillan, and on the Western those of Machee Vernay. On both sides are very pleasant Walks, among which the Mail is chiefly frequented. At Chambery is establish'd a Parliament or Senate, consisting of 4 Presidents and a certain number of Senators; as also a Chamber of Accounts, a Court of Treasury, and a Bailiage; but as to its Ecclesiastical Government, it depends on the Bishoprick of Grenoble. The Emperor Sigismund erected the County of Savoy into a Dutchy, in the same Town of Chambery, on the 19th day of February, A. D. 1416. But it was seized by the French King in 1690.

MONTMEILLAN, Monsmelianus, built on the right-side bank of the River Isere, is distant 8 miles from Chambery to the South-east. It is a very strong, though small Town, and hath a Fortress, or kind of Citadel, founded on a Rock that commands a very narrow Passage between the Mountains: In the same Rock is also cut a large Well, which supplies the whole Garrison of the Fort with Water; nevertheless Henry IV. King of France, found means to make himself Master thereof, A. D. 1600. It was also besieg'd by the French Forces in 1691, and Taken, after having made a most vigorous Resistance.

AIX, Aquae Gratianae, is seated on the Foot of the Mountains between Chambery, Annecy, and Rumilly. It is an ancient Town, tho' of a very small compass, and ill-built, being dignified with the Title of a Marquisate. It is also famous for its Baths and Mineral Waters, impregnated with Alom and Sulphur, and on that account much frequented.

The County or Valley of MAƲRIENNE, Mauriana, extends from the Alps to the River Isere on one side; and from the Valley of Tarentaise, as far as the Province of Dauphine in France, the other, is believ'd to be the Country of the ancient Brannovices mention'd by Caesar, altho' M. Sanson seems to be of another opinion, in his Remarks on the ancient Gaul. The Village of Braman at the Foot of Mount Cenis, was then the Capital City, but S. John of Maurienne, hath since gain'd that advantage. The other Towns of chief Note are these, viz.

• S. John of Maurienne, Bish. and Cap.
• La Chambre, Marq.
• S. Michael,
• S. Julian,
• S. Andrew,
• ...Modane,
• ...Ʋsse,
• ...Braman,
• ...Lamburg.

S. JOHN of MAƲRIENNE, Fanum S. Joannis Mauriani, is situated in a pleasant Valley, on the Confines of Dauphine, and the banks of the Rivulet Arche, 16 Leagues from Grenoble to the East. It is a fair City tho' not wall'd, and an Episcopal See, subject to the Metropolitan of Vienne in France. In the Cathedral dedicated to S. John, are to be seen the Tombs of many Dukes of Savoy.

The Valley of TARANTAISE, Tarantasia, lies between the County of Fossigny to the North, the Alps and the Dutchy of Aoste to the East, the Valley of Maurienne to the South, and the Dutchy of Savoy properly so call'd, to the West.

The most considerable Towns are these, viz.

• Monstiers, Archb. and Cap.
• S. James,
• S. Maurice,
• ...Brianson,
• ...Constans,
• ...La Bourg.

MONSTIERS, Monasterium; olim Forum Neronis, stands amidst the Mountains, and is water'd by the Streams of the Isere, near the Confluence of this River and the Brook Doere, being distant 16 Miles from S. John of Maurienne to the East, 28 from Montmeillan, and 64 from Turin to the North-west.

It was dignified with the Title of a Metropolitan See in the VIIIth Century, having been before that time subject to the Visitation of the Archbishop of Vienne, and retains under its Jurisdiction the Suffragan Bishoprick of Sion and Aoste.

BRIANCON, or FORT BRIANCONNET, is a Castle built on a Rock, on the banks of the River Isere, about a League below Monstiers. Some Authors are of opinion, that this Fortress gave its name to the Noble Family of Briancon in Dauphine, that hath produc'd many Illustrious Personages.

The Territories of GENEVA, Genevensis Ager, are bounded on the North and West by the River Rhone, on the East by the Countries of Chablais and Fossigny, and on the South by that of Savoy, properly so call'd, The Chief Cities and Towns are these, viz.

• Geneva, formerly a Bishop's See.
• Annecy, Cap.
• ...Albi,
• ...La Roche,
• ...Tonnes.
• ...Faverge,
• ...Manigo,
• ...Talloire,
• ...Clairmont,
• ...Mont Saint Martin.

As for the City of Geneva, an account thereof has been already given in the Description of Switzerland and its Allies.

ANNECY, Annecium, aut Anneciacum, is seated on the Lake of the same name, at the foot of the Mountains, and water'd with divers Channels that proceed from the said Lake, and form a kind of River nam'd Tioud, which situation renders the Town Delectable, and advantageous to the Mechanical Artificers, being distant 22 miles from Geneva to the South, 26 from Chambery to the North, and near as many from Bellay to the East. The Lake is altogether destitute of Fish, and the bottom thereof cannot be sounded, extending it self for the space of above 4 Leagues in Length, and about one and a half in breadth. This City is large and of very great Antiquity, having afforded a Seat to the Titular Bishop of Geneva, ever since the year 1535, when Pierre de la Beaume, exercis'd the Episcopal Functions. The Canons officiate in the Church of the Cordeliers, as also do the Monks of that Order in their turn. There are also two other Collegiate Churches, viz. one dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and another to S. Maurice, besides a Seminary of Priests of S. Lazarus, a College of Barnabites, a very ancient Convent of Dominicans, a Monastery of Capuchins, another of S. Clare, a third of Benedictines, and two of the Visitation; one of which last being the first of the Order, is very Magnificent, and built on the side of the Lake, wherein is preserv'd the Corps of S. Francis de Shales, Bishop of Geneva: The Houses are generally erected on Arches, insomuch that one may walk almost every where under shelter.

ALBI, Alba, is a small Town standing between Annecy and Aix, on the side of a Mountain, the foot whereof is water'd with a very impetuous Torrent.

The Province of FOSSIGNY, FOƲCIGNI, or FAƲSSIGNI, Fociniacum, aut Fociniacensis Tractus, lies betwixt that of Geneva and le Valais, in a mountainous Country, and was heretofore inhabited by the Focunates, or Focuates: In time past it was govern'd by certain particular Lords, and as yet enjoys the Title of a Barony.

The chief Towns are these, viz.

• Bonneville, Cap.
• ...Cluse,
• S. Gervaise,
• ...Taninge,
• ...Salanche.

BONNEVILLE, Bonnopolis, is situated on the foot of the Mountains, and the right side of the River Arva, 2 Leagues below Cluse, 4 from Annecy to the East, and about as many from Geneva. It is defended with an old Castle, and only considerable on the account of the Illustrious Families that sprang from thence, particularly those of S. Alban de Miller, Cheles, &c.

The Province of CHABLAIS, Caballicus Ducatus; is bounded on the North by the Lake of Geneva, on the East by the County of Valais, on the South by that of Fossigny, and on the West by that of Geneva, It comprehends the Bailiages of Tarnier and Gaillard, together with the Territories of S. Victor, and those of the Chapter. In the preceeding Age, most of the inhabitants of this Destrict had embrac'd the Reformed Religion, but afterwatd Apostatiz'd to the Roman Catholick, through the instigation of Francis de Sales, late Prelate of Geneva, who thereupon obtain'd the Title of the Apostle of Chablais among the Zealots of his Party.

The principal Towns are these, viz.

• Tonnon, Cap.
• ...Ripaille,
• ...Evian,
• ...Armoy,
• S, John of Aux, or of Aost.

TONNON, THONON or TOƲNON, Tunonium, is a small Town, built near the Lake Leman, or of Geneva, at the distance of 7 Leagues from that Protestant City to the East, 6 from Annecy to the North, and 5 from Lausanna to the South.

The Dutchy of Aoste, Ducatus Augstanus, is situated on the foot of the Alps, between the Territories of Valais, Verceil, and Piedmont, and was the Country of the ancient Salassi, including within its Jurisdiction six large Valleys, besides that from whence it takes its name, through the midst whereof the River Doere, conveys its Streams. It is believ'd that this Dutchy was united to Savoy, through the Marriage of Count Odo the Son of Humbert I. with Adelaide of Susa, the Relict of Herman Duke of Schawben, in the year 1030, or 1031. Moreover, it hath been possess'd at several times by the Lombards, French and Burgundians. The most considerable Towns of the same Dutchy and Valley are these, viz.

• Aoste, Bish. and Cap.
• ...La Sale,
• ...Morges,
• ...Issogne,
• ...Villeneuve,
• ...Montjouet,
• ...Valete,
• S. Martin,
• ...Chambiane,
• ...Chatillon,
• Chalon, County.
• ...Fenis.
• ...Lower Fortress,
• S. Vincent.
• ...Verres,
• ...Quere,
• ...Quester-Argent,
• S. Peter of Donas,
• La Tuyl, or the Fort of Castle S. Bernard.
• S. Marcel-Cour, Majeur, or the Curia Major of the Romans.

AOSTE, or AOƲSTE, Augusta Salassorum, aut Augusta Praetoria, is the See of a Prelate, Suffragan to the Arch-bishop of Tarantaise, seated in a mountainous but fertil Country, at the foot of the Grand S. Bernard, on the Banks of the River Dorea, where it receives into its Channel the waters of another Rivulet nam'd Bauteggio, at the distance of 25 miles from Jrrea to the North; as also 50 from Turin, and 36 from Monstier. It is reputed to have been one of the Colonies of the Emperor Augustus, who impos'd on it this Name: And indeed a Triumphal Arch of the same Augustus is as yet to be seen here almost entire, together with a Colossus, and many other ancient Monuments of the Roman Grandeur. This City is also remarkable for giving Birth to the famous S. Anselm, Arch-bishop of Canterbury.

A Table shewing the Chronological Succession of the Forty Earls or Dukes of Savoy.

XXIV. COUNTS or EARLS.

Elected	A. D.	Reign'd years.
1 BErold I. Earl of Savoy.	1000	22 or 23
2 Humbert I. Sur-named White-Hands.	1023	25
3 Amedeo I. Surnamed The Tail.
4 Odo.	1048	12
5 Amedeo II.	1061	34
6 Humbert II. The Re-inforc'd.	1095	8
7 Amedeo. III.	1103	46
8 Humbert III. The Saint.	1149	39
9 Thomas I. Created Vicar General of the Empire in Lombardy and Piedmont.	1188	35
10 Amedeo IV.	1233	5
11 Boniface Roland.	1238	25
12 Peter, the little Charlemagne.	1263	5
13 Philip I.	1268	17
An Inter-reign.
The Four following were only Lords of Piedmont.
14 Philip II.	1282	23
15 James.	1326	38
16 Amedeo.	1366	36
17 Lewes.	1402	16
18 Thomas II.	1285	10
19 Thomas III.	1295	15
20 Amedeo V. the Great, made Prince of the Empire.	1310	13
21 Edward, the Liberal.	1323	6
22 Aimon, the Pacifick.	1329	14
23 Amedeo VI. the Green.	1342	40
24 Amedeo VII. the Red.	1383	9
XVI DUKES.
25 Amedeo VIII. the First Duke of Savoy since the Year 1416, and afterward Pope.	1392	43
26 Lewes I.	1434	31
27 Lewes II. King of Cyprus.	1465	17
28 Amedeo IX. the Fortunate.	1482	7
29 Philipbert I. the Hunter.
30 Charles I. the Warrior.
31 Charles-John I.	1489	7
32 Philip.	1496	1
33 Philibert II. the Fair.	1497	7
34 Charles III. the Good.	1504	49
35 Emanuel-Philibert, Iron-pate.	1553	27
36 Charles-Emanuel I. the Great.	1580	50
37 Victor-Amedeo.	1630	7
38 Francis-Hyacinth.	1637	1
39 Charles-Emanuel II.	1638	37
40 Victor-Amedeo-Francesco, now Reigning.	1675