Treaty of Libourne facts for kids
The Treaty of Libourne was an important agreement signed on 23 September 1366 in a town called Libourne. This treaty was made between three powerful leaders: King Peter I of Castile, Edward the Black Prince, who was the son of the English king, and King Charles II of Navarre. This agreement was a big deal because it led to England getting involved in the Castilian Civil War against France, which was part of the much larger Hundred Years War.
Why Was This Treaty Needed?
In 1366, there was a big fight for the throne in the kingdom of Castile (which is now part of Spain). Henry of Trastamara, who was King Peter I's half-brother, wanted to be king. Henry invaded Castile with an army that included soldiers from France and Aragon. He managed to kick Peter I off his throne and declared himself the new "king of Castile."
Henry's army was strong because it had help from French "free companies." These were groups of soldiers who fought for money, and they were sent by King Charles V of France. Henry also had soldiers from the Kingdom of Aragon, who had been fighting against Castile for ten years.
King Peter I, needing help to get his throne back, turned to France's enemies. He asked Edward the Black Prince, a famous English warrior and heir to the English crown, for help. England was already fighting France in the Hundred Years War. Peter also got help from Charles the Bad, the King of Navarre, who supported England's claims to the French throne.
What Was the Deal?
The Treaty of Libourne was a promise. The Black Prince and the King of Navarre agreed to give military help and money to Peter I so he could take back his throne. In return, they would receive land and money from Castile.
- The Black Prince was promised control of an area called the Lordship of Biscay, the city of Castro-Urdiales, and a huge amount of money: 550,000 gold florins.
- Charles the Bad was promised two Basque regions, Gipuzkoa and Álava, plus a county near the city of Burgos.
To show he was serious about the deal, Peter I sent his three daughters to live as hostages in a town called Saint-Émilion. He also gave the Black Prince a very special, large red gem. This gem, which was actually a spinel (a type of gemstone), is now known as the Black Prince's Ruby. It still decorates the crown worn by the British monarch today!
What Happened Next?
The Anglo-Castilian army, with the Black Prince's help, won a big battle at Nájera. However, Peter I found it very hard to keep his promises. The cost of the war was enormous, reaching 2.7 million gold florins.
Things got difficult between the allies. The Black Prince wanted to release the captured enemy soldiers for ransom, which meant Henry's supporters could fight another day. Because Peter I couldn't pay what he owed, and because of these disagreements, Edward the Black Prince decided to leave. He went back to his lands in Aquitaine (in France) without getting the land or money he was promised.
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