Treaty of Wallingford facts for kids
The Treaty of Wallingford was an important agreement made in England in the summer of 1153. It is also sometimes called the Treaty of Winchester or the Treaty of Westminster. This treaty officially ended a long civil war known as the Anarchy (1135–1154). The war was fought because King Stephen and his cousin Empress Matilda both wanted to be the ruler of England. The Treaty of Wallingford allowed King Stephen to remain king until he died in October 1154. But, it also made sure that Matilda's son, Henry II, would become the next king.
Contents
Why the Treaty Was Needed
By 1153, the Anarchy had been going on for almost 15 years. This was a very long time of fighting! Neither King Stephen nor Empress Matilda could win the fight for the English throne. During this time, there was a lot of trouble and not much law and order. Powerful lords, called barons, gained more control in places like northern England. There was also a lot of damage in areas where the main battles happened. By the early 1150s, most of the barons and the Church wanted peace to finally happen.
Fighting Before the Peace Deal
King Stephen tried to attack Wallingford Castle, which was held by Matilda's supporter, Brien FitzCount. Stephen built smaller castles nearby to surround Wallingford. Matilda's son, Henry Curtmantle, then attacked these smaller castles. Everyone expected a big battle between their armies. However, a wise leader named William d'Aubigny, 1st Earl of Arundel convinced them that more fighting was pointless.
A temporary break in the fighting, called a truce, was agreed upon at Wallingford, near the Thames River. But Stephen's son, Eustace, did not want to settle the war. Luckily, Eustace died suddenly in August 1153. After his death, a more official agreement was likely written in Winchester in November 1153. It was then signed later in Westminster.
Efforts for Lasting Peace
Even after the Wallingford truce, some fighting continued, but it wasn't as intense. Stephen lost the towns of Oxford and Stamford to Henry. This happened while the king was busy fighting another lord, Hugh Bigod, in eastern England. However, Nottingham Castle was not captured by Henry's forces.
Meanwhile, two important church leaders worked together to make a lasting peace. These were Stephen's brother, Bishop Henry of Winchester, and Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury. They put pressure on King Stephen to agree to a deal. Stephen and Henry Curtmantle's armies met again at Winchester. There, the two leaders officially agreed to the terms of a permanent peace in November.
What the Treaty Said
King Stephen announced the Treaty of Winchester in Winchester Cathedral. He said that he accepted Henry Curtmantle as his adopted son and the person who would rule after him. In return, Henry showed his loyalty to Stephen in a special ceremony called homage.
Other important parts of the treaty included:
- Stephen promised to listen to Henry's advice, but he would still keep all his powers as king.
- Stephen's other son, William, would show loyalty to Henry. He also gave up his claim to the throne. In return, he was promised that his lands would be safe.
- Important royal castles would be held by people who would make sure they were safe for Henry. Stephen would also be able to use Henry's castles.
- All the foreign soldiers, called mercenaries, who were hired to fight would be sent home.
Stephen and Henry officially sealed the treaty with a kiss of peace in the cathedral. Later, in 1155, Henry II rewarded the town of Wallingford for its help during the war. He gave the town its royal charter, which gave it special rights.
See also
- List of treaties
