The
Treaty of Lambeth, also known as the
Treaty of Kingston, was signed on the island called today 'Ravens Ait Island' which is a small
Floodplain island inside the river Thames at
Kingston-upon-Thames. This significant treaty was signed in 1217 by
Prince Louis of France, ending his wars and campaign in the
First Barons' War, and his claim to the
throne of
England. When his campaign had begun, baronial enemies of the unpopular King
John of England had flocked to his banner, but after John's death, and his replacement by a regency on behalf of the boy king
Henry III (John's son), many had deserted to the loyalist cause. When his army was beaten at
Lincoln, and his naval forces (led by
Eustace the Monk) were defeated off the coast of
Sandwich, he was forced to make peace under English terms.
Negotiations were opened on the 6
th September 1217 at
Staines, the royal court was being held near by at
Chertsey. The treaty was finally signed by Louis and
Henry's regents, on the 11
th September at
Lambeth,. Louis still needed Papal ratification and sought it from the
Papal legate, who was encamped near
Kingston, on the 13
th September and received his terms from the legate on the 22
nd September at
Merton. Louis left England for the last time from
Dover on 28
th September.
The principal provisions of the treaty were an amnesty for English rebels, land possession to return to the status quo ante, the
Channel Islands to be returned to the English crown, Prince Louis to undertake not to attack England again, and to attempt to give
Normandy back to the English crown. In return 10,000 marks were to be given to Louis.
There is no known surviving copy of the treaty.
Apart from the one on display in the corridors of Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames Guildhall
See also
- 12 September - Treaty of Kingston-upon-Thames ends the First Barons' War: French and Scots to leave England, amnesty granted to rebels.
- 20 September - Treaty of Lambeth signed ratifying the Kingston treaty.
