Treaty of Birgham facts for kids

The Treaty of Birgham, also known as the Treaty of Salisbury, was actually two important agreements made in 1289 and 1290. These treaties aimed to keep Scotland free and independent. They were created after Alexander III of Scotland died and his young granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway, became queen in 1286. Because Margaret was only three years old, a group of leaders called the Guardians of Scotland ruled the country for her. They were the ones who negotiated and signed these treaties.

Why Was the Treaty Needed?

After King Alexander III of Scotland died, his only living heir was his granddaughter, Margaret. She was very young and lived in Norway. People in Scotland were worried about who would rule and if the country would stay independent. There were also different families, like the House of Balliol and the House of Bruce, who believed they had a right to the Scottish throne. The treaties were meant to solve these problems and make sure Scotland had a clear leader and stayed free.

The First Treaty: Salisbury (1289)

The first part of the agreement was made in Salisbury, England, in November 1289. This treaty focused on how Margaret, the Maid of Norway, would travel from her home to Scotland. Edward I of England promised to keep her safe until Scotland was stable enough for her to rule.

Margaret's father, Eric II of Norway, was worried about his daughter's safety. Scotland was not very stable at the time. King Edward I helped arrange her journey from Norway. He promised Eric that Margaret would be safe. Edward also helped settle some old debts. King Alexander III had owed Eric money for his daughter's marriage to the Norwegian king. This daughter was also named Margaret. Edward I's help aimed to calm everyone's fears and prepare for Margaret's arrival as queen.

The Second Treaty: Birgham (1290)

The second and more detailed treaty was written at Birgham in Berwickshire, Scotland, on July 18, 1290. It was later officially approved in Northampton, England, on August 28, 1290. This treaty had a big condition: Margaret would marry Edward I's son, also named Edward.

Even with this marriage, the treaty stated that Scotland would remain "separate and divided from England." It would be "free in itself and without subjection." This meant Scotland would keep its own borders and not be controlled by England. The treaty also said that even though a wife's property usually became her husband's, this would not happen with Scotland.

The agreement also made sure that the Church of Scotland and the Church of England would stay separate. It protected the rights of landowners in Scotland, so they would not lose their lands. Finally, it stated that the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland would remain separate. They would not hold meetings outside their own countries.

What Happened Next?

Sadly, the Treaty of Birgham did not work out as planned. Margaret, the Maid of Norway, died in 1290 while she was traveling to Scotland. This meant there was no queen to marry Edward's son.

Also, the English negotiators had added some small details to the treaty. These details made the parts about Scotland's independence less strong. After Margaret's death, Edward I of England saw a chance to gain more power. In 1291, he called the Scottish nobles to meet him at Norham-on-Tweed. There, he declared himself the "Lord Paramount of Scotland," meaning he claimed to be Scotland's overlord. He told everyone who wanted to be the next Scottish king that they had to accept him as their superior. Only then would he help decide who should be the new king.