MARIA THERESIA (Archduchess of Austria, 1717-1780, Holy Roman Empress and Dowager Empress 1745-1780, Queen of Hungary)

Finely penned Document signed 'Maria Theresia', in Latin with translation, being a 'rescript' or imperial answer to a request, addressed to all the nobility and prelates of the County of Ugocsa in eastern Hungary, "our beloved and faithful subjects", concerning the current legal proceedings against András Bencza, [?lately] Catholic Parish Priest of Böhénye, on a charge of alleged theft, which the local authorities wish to refer to the Empress, she therefore commands them to complete the proceedings as far as sentence, but before execution and judgment, and to send her all the papers in the case, and to do likewise with certain others involved, who are currently held in prison on an earlier charge, so that everything may be considered together, endorsed with a paper wafer seal, decorative heading with Maria Theresia in large capitals at head, signed also by József Bajráth, 1720-1804, Bishop of Veszprém, and by József Jablanczy, 1 side folio and address panel, Vienna, 11th July a little browned along folds, lower blank margin of address panel cut away without loss

This document reflects the centralising tendency of Maria Theresia, when Hungary was peaceful but ruled by edict from Vienna, especially during the latter part of her reign. The Diet was by-passed and the office of Palatine of Hungary not filled after 1765; but the Empress sought to be good to all, including the serfs, in particular setting up schools and colleges all over the country, using the estates confiscated from the Jesuits.

Item Date:  1777

Stock No:  52744      £750

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