Treaty of Lambeth (1212) facts for kids

The Treaty of Lambeth was an important agreement signed on May 4, 1212. It was made between King John of England and several powerful French counts. This treaty is different from another one signed in 1217, which is also sometimes called the Treaty of Lambeth or the Treaty of Kingston.

King John had lost many of his lands in France by 1212. These lands were part of what was known as the Angevin Empire, which was a large area controlled by English kings in France. At the same time, a French count named Renaud had also lost his lands to King Philip II of France.

Renaud decided to form a group of powerful nobles, including Ferdinand, to stand against King Philip. In return for joining this group, King John gave Renaud some lands in England and a regular payment of money.

The treaty signed on May 4, 1212, was a promise. Each leader involved agreed not to make a separate peace deal with France. This meant they would stick together in their fight against King Philip II.

This treaty was a step in England's process of pulling back from its control over parts of France. Over time, more and more of France came under the rule of its own king, rather than being controlled by English kings who had originally come from Normandy.