Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton
Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, Scotland
What happened
King Robert the Bruce of Scotland made peace with England, where the young Edward III's government was led by Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer. Scotland and England had been at war since the English invasion of 1296. In March 1328 the treaty was sealed in the King's Chamber at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh, and the English Parliament agreed to it at Northampton weeks later. England recognised Scotland as fully independent, with Robert and his heirs as its rightful kings.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the First War of Scottish Independence. England's recognition of Scotland as a separate kingdom was the main prize Robert the Bruce had fought for.
What came next
Robert's son David married Edward III's sister Joanna that July. But in 1333 Edward III overturned the treaty, calling it the 'Shameful Peace', and war began again.
Did you know?
The treaty was written twice on one sheet, which was cut along a wavy line so the two halves could be matched to prove they were real.
Timeline
- 1296England invades Scotland.
- 17 March 1328The treaty is sealed at Holyrood in Edinburgh.
- May 1328The English Parliament ratifies it at Northampton.
- 17 July 1328David of Scotland marries Joanna of England.
- 1333Edward III overturns the treaty.