Introduction

The 1990s were hectic for count and county Holland. In 1392, Count Albrecht of Bavaria's mistress was murdered, a murder that led to a fierce civil war and a long feud with Crown Prince William VI. On 5 April, Albrecht remarried Margaret of Cleves. This charter was drawn up less than a month after the marriage.

Money was in short supply at the court of Holland, not only for Count Albrecht, but also for his most important nobles. Fortunately, there were rich people who were willing to lend. This charter regulates the repayment of over 220 pounds, which the rich nobleman Jan van Arkel, at the same time tresorier of Holland, reinforced to Albrecht of Bavaria and three noblemen from his council.

This charter belonged to the tresorier's account for 1 January 1394-15 April 1394 prepared by Jan van Arkel (National Archives, Counts of Holland 1248). This account was heard on 26 April, i.e. five days before the issue of this letter. It is also notable, that all persons mentioned were present at the audit session on 26 April.

Physical Description

Parchment charter written in an italic script. The four seals have disappeared - if they were ever attached. The charter is cancelled by several cuts. The seals are missing; the seal tails appear modern.