Treaty of Neutrality (Yorkshire) facts for kids

The Treaty of Neutrality was an important agreement signed on September 29, 1642. It was an attempt to stop a big conflict called the English Civil War from spreading into Yorkshire, a large county in England.

This treaty was signed by two important leaders: Lord Fairfax, who represented the Parliament, and Henry Bellasis, who represented the King's supporters, known as the Royalists. Both men were "Knights of the Shire," which meant they were elected to represent Yorkshire in the English Parliament. Other important people from Yorkshire also supported this agreement.

The main goal of the treaty was to keep Yorkshire out of the fighting. However, the Parliament in London did not agree with it. They officially rejected the treaty just a few days later, on October 4, 1642. This meant the efforts to keep Yorkshire neutral failed, and the county eventually became involved in the Civil War.

What Was the English Civil War?

The English Civil War was a series of wars fought in England between 1642 and 1651. It was mainly a conflict between King Charles I and his supporters (the Royalists) and the Parliament and its supporters. They disagreed about how England should be governed and how much power the King should have.

Why Did Yorkshire Want to Be Neutral?

Many people in Yorkshire wanted to avoid the war because they knew it would bring destruction and hardship to their homes and families. They hoped that by staying neutral, they could protect their county from the fighting.

Key People in the Treaty

Who Was Lord Fairfax?

Lord Fairfax was a respected leader who supported the Parliament. He was a military commander and played a big role in the early stages of the Civil War in Yorkshire.

Who Was Henry Bellasis?

Henry Bellasis was a Member of Parliament who sided with King Charles I. He was part of a powerful family in Yorkshire and worked to support the King's cause.

Other Attempts to Avoid War

The Treaty of Neutrality was not the only attempt to prevent or limit the Civil War. Many people tried to find peaceful solutions.

• Meeting on Heworth Moor (June 3, 1642): Before the war officially started, King Charles I called a meeting in Yorkshire. He wanted to gather support from the local lords and gentlemen. At this meeting, Lord Fairfax, on behalf of Parliament, asked the King to listen to Parliament and stop raising troops.
• Bunbury Agreement (December 23, 1642): Similar to the Yorkshire treaty, this agreement was made in Cheshire county. It was designed to keep Cheshire neutral during the Civil War, showing that other areas also tried to avoid the conflict.
• Treaty of Oxford (January 28, 1643): The Parliament sent representatives to negotiate with King Charles I in Oxford. This was another attempt to find a peaceful end to the war, but it was unsuccessful.