Treaty of Canterbury (1416) facts for kids
The Treaty of Canterbury was an important agreement made between two powerful leaders: Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor, and King Henry V of England. They signed this treaty on August 15, 1416. This agreement created a special team-up, or alliance, between England and the Holy Roman Empire. Their main goal was to work together against France.
Why the Treaty Happened
Sigismund, the Holy Roman Emperor, started to change his mind about being friends with France. This happened after France lost a big battle called the Battle of Agincourt.
After leaving a meeting called the Council of Constance, Sigismund went to Paris on March 1, 1416. He tried to make a peace deal with the French government. However, he couldn't agree with them. A French leader named Bernard d'Armagnac wanted to keep blocking the English port of Harfleur. He didn't want England to have a naval base in Normandy. Also, Sigismund found it hard to please both the Orleanist and Burgundian groups in the French government. These groups were often fighting each other.
Because he couldn't make a deal in France, Sigismund traveled to London. He arrived on May 3, 1416, to talk with King Henry V of England. When he got there, Sigismund received a special honor. He was made a Knight of the Garter. He also watched a meeting of the English parliament. King Henry V gave him a beautiful golden necklace as a gift. This necklace was made by Hermann Ruissel and had white bears on it. Bears were one of King Henry's special symbols, called heraldic devices.
Even after all this, Sigismund still wanted peace for everyone. He kept trying to make a deal with France too. In July 1416, Sigismund convinced King Henry V and the French government to meet in Paris. The plan was for Charles VI of France, Sigismund, and Henry V to discuss a possible peace treaty.
But Bernard d'Armagnac, who had just lost the Battle of Valmont, changed things. He convinced King Charles VI and the French government to say no to the meeting. Bernard believed it was just a trick for the English to get the territory of Harfleur. Sigismund was very angry that France refused. So, he decided to make the Treaty of Canterbury only with England. He felt France was causing problems and didn't want peace with England.
What Sigismund Wanted
Sigismund had two main goals. First, he wanted to bring the Catholic Church back together. There was a big split at the time, known as the Papal Schism. He believed the fighting between England and France was stopping this from happening.
Second, Sigismund dreamed of a united Europe. He wanted all the European countries to work together. His goal was to fight in a crusade against the Ottoman Empire.
What the Treaty Said
The Treaty of Canterbury was signed on August 15, 1416. In the treaty, King Henry V and Sigismund promised to help each other. They would support each other in getting back any lands that France held.
The people living in both England and the Holy Roman Empire were allowed to trade freely. They could also travel between each other's lands without problems. Both sides agreed not to protect anyone who was a traitor or a rebel against the other ruler. They also promised to help each other if their lands were invaded.
What Happened After
The Treaty of Canterbury showed that Sigismund was now on England's side and against France. This agreement ended the long friendship between Sigismund's family, the House of Luxembourg, and France. Sigismund's grandfather, John of Bohemia, had started that friendship.
However, the ideas of the Treaty of Canterbury didn't last long. Before King Henry V died, the plans from the treaty were put aside. Sigismund became very busy with the Council of Constance. He also had to focus on keeping control of his own lands in Bohemia. These other important tasks meant that Sigismund could never provide the military help he promised. So, the main goals of the treaty were not fully achieved.
