Auld Alliance
Categories: History of Scotland | History of France | History of Norway | Treaties | Official documents
The Auld Alliance was an alliance between Scotland, France, and Norway which had its origins in the Orkneyinga saga and the colonisation of Normandy. It was the first recorded treaty for mutual self-defence between European nations. Although Norway never took much part in it, it played a role in Franco-Scottish (and English) affairs, until 1746. Although Norway never invoked the treaty, she was involved in Franco-Scottish politics until 1746.
The alliance is thought to reach as far back as 1165, and William I of Scotland; although the first documentary evidence dates from the treaty signed by John Balliol and Philip IV of France, in 1295. The terms of the treaty stipulated that if any country was attacked by England, the other countries would invade English territory, as became evident at the Battle of Flodden Field, 1513.
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Wider influences
Although principally a military and diplomatic agreement, the alliance also granted "dual citizenship" in both countries. Thus, its influence also extended into the lives of the Scottish population in a number of ways: including architecture, law, the Scots language and cuisine, due in part to the Scottish mercenaries participating in French armies. Scots also greatly enjoyed having their choice of France's finest wines.
In 1326, Robert the Bruce renewed the alliance, with the Treaty of Corbeil. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the treaty was invoked six times.
In 1560, after more than 250 years, the alliance between Scotland and France was officially ended, by the Treaty of Edinburgh. Scotland was declared "Protestant", and thereafter allied itself with Protestant England. (See the article on John Knox.) Nevertheless, certain provisions of the earlier treaty remained in force. In particular, all Scots were still French citizens, until that right was revoked by the French government in 1903.
Relationship with France
In 1336, at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War, the French king Philip VI provided military support for David II, who fled to France after being deposed by Edward III of England.
In 1346, under the terms of the Auld Alliance, Scotland invaded England in the interests of France. However, they were defeated, and David II was taken prisoner at the Battle of Neville's Cross.
In 1421, at the Battle of Bauge, French and Scots forces dealt a crushing defeat to the English, for which the Scots were richly- rewarded. However, their victory was a short-lived one: at Verneuil in 1424, the Scots army was annihilated. Despite this defeat, the Scots had given France a valuable breathing space; effectively saving the country from English domination.
In addition, in 1429 Scots came to the aid of Joan of Arc in her famous relief of Orléans; many went on to form the Garde Écossaise, the fiercely-loyal bodyguard of the French monarchy. Many Scottish mercenaries chose to settle in France, although they continued to consider themselves "Scots".
See also
- List of treaties
- Entente cordiale (Anglo-French agreement 1904)
- Anglo-Portuguese alliance
- Acts of Union