Treaty of Berwick (1357)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Berwick (1357)?

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Treaty of Berwick (1357)

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Treaty of Berwick (1357): Ended the Second War of Scottish Independence.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Berwick, signed at Berwick-upon-Tweed, England, on 3 October 1357, officially ended the Second War of Scottish Independence. In this second phase of the Wars of Scottish Independence, which began in 1333, King Edward III of England attempted to install Edward Balliol on the Scottish throne, in place of King David II, son of Robert the Bruce. Under the terms of the treaty, David II was released by the English, who had captured him at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346.

Career & Major Achievements

The English demanded a ransom of 100,000 merks, or £67,000 sterling for his release, payable in annual instalments over a period of ten years, but only the first two payments were made. The first instalment of the ransom was paid punctually, the second was late, and after that no more could be paid. Taxation was increased in order to pay the ransom, and David began to embezzle from his own ransom fund, causing widespread resentment, and culminating in the ransom protest of 1363.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

During the protest, Robert Stewart joined by Patrick V, Earl of March and William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, rose in revolt against the embezzlement. David II responded quickly to the uprising and it collapsed.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1333: 1333 Milestone — In this second phase of the Wars of Scottish Independence, which began in 1333, King Edward III of England attempted to install Edward Balliol on the Scottish throne, in place of King David II, son of Robert the Bruce.
2. 1346: 1346 Milestone — Under the terms of the treaty, David II was released by the English, who had captured him at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346.
3. 1357: 1357 Milestone — The Treaty of Berwick, signed at Berwick-upon-Tweed, England, on 3 October 1357, officially ended the Second War of Scottish Independence.
4. 1363: 1363 Milestone — Taxation was increased in order to pay the ransom, and David began to embezzle from his own ransom fund, causing widespread resentment, and culminating in the ransom protest of 1363.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Berwick (1357)

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of Berwick required David II to pay the entire ransom sum in a single, lump-sum payment.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty stipulated that the ransom was to be paid in annual installments over a period of ten years, not as a single payment.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Je Tsongkhapa — Historical peer (Born in 1357) (1357): Founding philosopher of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Hōjō Takatoki — Historical peer (Died in 1333) (1333): The last ruling Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a pivotal figure in late 13th-century Japanese politics.
• Kan'ami — Historical peer (Born in 1333) (1333): Pioneering Noh actor, author, and musician who founded the Kanze school.
• Zeami Motokiyo — Historical peer (Born in 1363) (1363): Master of Noh theater, playwright, and aesthetician who shaped Japanese dramatic arts.

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