E07793: The will of Burgundofara, disciple of Columbanus and monastic founder, includes donations to her monastic community, dedicated to *Mary (Mother of Christ, S00033) and *Peter (the Apostle, S00036), at Faremoutiers, northern Gaul. Will written in Latin at Faremoutiers, 633/4.

Will of Burgundofara

The will is dated 26 October, in the 5th regnal year of King Dagobert I (633 or 634; the reference is to Dagobert's reign as king of all Francia, which began in 629). Burgundofara begins (1-3) by stating that she has withdrawn from the world and founded the monastery of Eboriacus (Faremoutiers). She wishes to set down a will to confirm what she is leaving to the monastery. She then begins to list her bequests.

4. Itaque ego Burgundofara, honorans praedictum locum Eboriacum situm in pago Briegio quod est constructum in honore domnae ac sanctae Mariae et sancti Petri apostolorum principis, bona quae videbar habere in saeculo, id est ...

'4. Therefore I, Burgundofara, honouring the aforesaid place, Eboricacus, situated in the district of Brie, which has been built in honour of Mary, Lady and Saint, and of saint Peter, prince of the Apostles, give in perpetuity those goods which I seem to have in the world, that is ...'

Burgundofara goes on (4-5) to specify her share of two villas, together with their agricultural land, serfs, and toll-rights. She then states the following:

6. Volo esse in praedicto monasterio donatum villam cognomento Dulgofaiacus sitam in pago Aliodrense, medietatem illam quam mihi bonae recordationis genitor meus Agnericus quondam per testimenti sui paginam delegavit, cum terris, mancipiis, vineis, silvis, pratis, pascuis aquis aquarumve decursibus ecclesiae domnae Mariae et sancti Petri Eboriacis monasterii.

'6. I also wish to be given to the aforesaid monastery that half of the villa called Dulgofaiacus, situated in the district of Augers, which my father Chagneric, of good memory, formerly conferred on me through the text of his testament, together with the lands, serfs, vineyards, woods, meadows, pasturage, ponds and watercourses, for the church of Lady Mary and saint Peter of the monastery of Eboriacus.'

She bequeaths another villa to the monastery (7), then leaves her share in another villa to her brothers Chagnulf and Burgundofaro, and sister Agnetrada (9). She makes bequests to the monastery of property in the town of Meaux, and of two water-mills (10-12), then adds:

13. Et ut festi dies ante sanctum altare solemnius recolantur, dare volo vineas, id est pedeturas duas in Cavaniaco villa in [pago] Kalense, quas contra germanum meum Chagnulfum in concambio visa sum accepisse, supradictae basilicae domnae Mariae et sancti Petri Eboriacis monasterii.

'13. And that feast days might be commemorated more solemnly before the holy altar, I wish to give to the aforesaid basilica of Lady Mary and saint Peter, of the monastery of Eboriacus, the vineyards, that is the two portions of land in the villa Cavaniacus, in the district of Chelles, which I have been seen to accept in exchange from my brother Chagnulf.'

Burgundofara goes on to confirm the freedom of all mancipia (slaves or serfs) freed by her in her lifetime (14), and concludes by calling on God to ensure that her wishes are carried out (15), and that anyone who attempts to alter her testament will be cursed.


Text: Guérout 1965. Translation: O'Hara and Wood, 2017, adapted.