Charter of Charles the Simple in favour of the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés

This royal charter dated 14 March 918 is the only document referring to Rollon and confirming the existence of the treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, signed in 911. It grants the Abbey de la Croix-Saint-Ouen (Lacroix-Saint-Ouen in the Oise) to the monks of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, at the request of the marquis de Neustrie, Herbert II de Vermandois and Abbon, bishop of Soissons. It confirms the words of the chronicler Dudon de Saint-Quentin, as the grant specifically does not include what was given “aux Normands de la Seine, c'est-à-dire à Rollon et à ses compagnons, pour la protection du royaume.” [to the Normans of the Seine, that is to Rollon and his companions, for the protection of the Kingdom]. These words show that the treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte was concluded solely on the wishes of Charles the Simple and specify its purpose: conceding land in exchange for protection from Viking raids.