CHARLES V, HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR Letter signed 'Charles' to the captain of the troops at Audenarde, advising him that now that François I has entered Tournay, he wishes to resist the damage they might cause to 'our lands of Flanders' and orders him to assemble as many men as possible at the sound of the bell 'at our castle of Audenarde', and advising the lieutenant of Flanders, le comte de Gravres, to do the same throughout the country, countersigned with flourished signature by 'Lalemand', address panel on reverse, one page, watermark, dust-staining, marks, edges frayed, creased and discoloured particularly at top edge, a few holes, three slits for ties, one torn with loss, folio (295 x 214mm.), Courtray, 24 October [n.y. but possibly c.1520] Footnotes: CHARLES V ORDERS THE DEFENCE OF FLANDERS AGAINST THE FRENCH, part of the ongoing rivalry and enmity between the Holy Roman Emperor and François I, King of France. The city of Tournay enjoyed a key strategic position on the boundary of France and the Low Countries and was entirely surrounded by the territories of Charles V. It had been in the hands of the English since the Battle of the Spurs in 1513 until handed back to French rule in 1519 following the Treaty of London. As Charles V was made Holy Roman Emperor in 1519, this would date our document from between his accession and 1521 when he added the city to his possessions in the Low Countries. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing