Treaty of Montgomery facts for kids
The Treaty of Montgomery was an agreement between England and Wales. It was signed on 29 September 1267 in a place called Montgomeryshire. This important treaty officially recognized Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as the Prince of Wales. King Henry III of England (who ruled from 1216 to 1272) agreed to this.
This was a big deal because it was the only time an English king officially said that a Welsh ruler from Gwynedd had power over all of Wales. Llywelyn's grandfather, Llywelyn the Great, had tried to be the main prince of Wales before. He used the title "Prince of Aberffraw, Lord of Snowdon" in the 1230s. Llywelyn's uncle, Dafydd ap Llywelyn, also claimed the title of Prince of Wales. But Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was so strong in the late 1260s that the English King had to accept his rule. This happened because England was having its own problems at the time.
What the Treaty Said
Many parts of this treaty were first discussed in an earlier agreement. This was the Treaty of Pipton in 1265. That treaty was between Llywelyn and Simon de Montfort. The 1267 treaty gave Llywelyn control over several areas. These included Builth, Brecon, and Gwerthrynion in central Wales.
The treaty also dealt with the castle of Cefnllys. Llywelyn had taken this castle from Roger Mortimer in 1262. The treaty said it would go back to Roger. However, Roger would hold the land from Llywelyn. This was only if Llywelyn could prove his right to it. Llywelyn also received Whittington Castle in Shropshire. His grandfather had held this castle in the 1220s.
Another important part was about Hawarden. The treaty promised that no new castle would be built there for sixty years. This helped keep the north-eastern border of Wales safe. The treaty also allowed Llywelyn's brother, Dafydd ap Gruffudd, to return to Wales. He had gone to England in the early 1260s.
A key part of the treaty said: "For the principality, lands, homages and grants the prince and his successors will be bound to give fealty, homage and service to the king and his heirs, which he or his predecessors have been accustomed and obliged to give the kings of England." This meant Llywelyn had to show loyalty to the English King. He also had to perform certain duties for the King.
What it Meant for Wales
Even though Llywelyn had to show loyalty to the King of England, this treaty was a big win for him. It showed that the English King recognized Llywelyn's power. It also showed his authority as the Prince of Wales.
However, things changed when Edward I became King of England in 1272. Relations between England and Wales quickly got worse. King Edward declared war on Llywelyn in 1276. A new agreement, the Treaty of Aberconwy in 1277, replaced the Montgomery treaty. This new treaty greatly reduced Llywelyn's power.
In December 1282, fifteen years after the Treaty of Montgomery, Llywelyn was killed. An army from Montgomery marched to Builth Wells and surprised him. After 1295, when the last Welsh War of the 1200s ended, Montgomery Castle became less important. It was used more as a prison than a strong fort.
See Also
- History of Wales
- List of treaties
