Treaty of Durham (1136) facts for kids
The First Treaty of Durham was a special agreement made between two kings: Stephen of England and David I of Scotland. They signed this peace treaty on February 5, 1136, to stop fighting. This happened early in King Stephen's time as ruler of England.
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What Was the First Treaty of Durham?
The First Treaty of Durham was a peace treaty. This means it was an official agreement to end a conflict between two sides. In this case, it was between the King of England, Stephen, and the King of Scotland, David I. They signed it in the city of Durham in 1136.
Why Did the Kings Meet?
In January 1136, King David I of Scotland led his army across the border into England. He marched all the way to Durham. Along the way, his forces captured several important towns. These included Carlisle, Wark, Alnwick, Norham, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
King Stephen of England heard about this invasion. He quickly gathered a large army, including many skilled fighters from Flanders. Stephen marched his troops to Durham. When King David I saw Stephen's powerful army, he knew it was time to talk instead of fight. So, the two kings began to negotiate.
What Did the Treaty Say?
The treaty helped to settle the conflict. King Stephen got back most of the towns David I had captured. These included Wark, Alnwick, Norham, and Newcastle.
However, King David I was allowed to keep some important areas. He kept Carlisle and a large part of the regions of Cumberland and Lancashire. He also kept the town of Doncaster. This showed that while Stephen won back some land, David still gained a lot.
The Oath of Loyalty
King Stephen wanted King David I to promise loyalty to him. This promise is called an oath of allegiance. It means swearing to be faithful and obedient to a ruler.
But King David I had a problem. He had already sworn an oath of loyalty to his niece, Empress Matilda. Matilda was the daughter of the previous English king, Henry I. She was supposed to be the next queen, but Stephen had taken the throne instead.
Because of his earlier promise, David I did not want to swear loyalty to Stephen directly. Instead, he asked his son, Henry, to make the oath. In return for this oath, Prince Henry was given a special title. He became the Earl of the Honour of Huntingdon and Northampton. This was a very important position that his father, David I, had held before.
What Happened Next?
Even after this treaty, the peace did not last forever. In 1138, King David I invaded the North of England again. This led to another big battle called the Battle of the Standard. After that battle, the two kings signed another agreement, known as the Treaty of Durham (1139).
