Treaty of London (1474)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of London (1474)?

Subject:

Treaty of London (1474)

Known for:

1474 alliance between England and Burgundy, supporting Edward IV's claims.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of London (French: Traités de Londres) was an agreement between Charles the Bold of Burgundy and King Edward IV of England signed on 25 July 1474. In the treaty, Charles agreed to support England militarily during an invasion of France, and to recognise Edward as the King of France. Following the beginning of the Wars of the Roses in 1455, England was not in a position to pursue its claim to the French throne.

Career & Major Achievements

Edward's position as King had been unstable during his first reign and was troubled by the war's progression in the 1460s. Edward was temporarily removed in 1470 and replaced with Lancastrian Henry VI. By 1471, Henry VI and his son Prince Edward had died, allowing Edward IV to reclaim the throne.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Now with a more secure domestic situation, Edward IV was preparing to launch a military campaign against France, possibly in the hopes of regaining some of the territories which had been lost in the Hundred Years War. It is unclear how serious Edward's intentions were to invade France, but his preparations for the war faced resistance from the English parliament. Additionally, there was a lack of support from allies Brittany and Burgundy.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1455: 1455 Milestone — Following the beginning of the Wars of the Roses in 1455, England was not in a position to pursue its claim to the French throne.
2. 1470: 1470 Milestone — Edward was temporarily removed in 1470 and replaced with Lancastrian Henry VI.
3. 1471: 1471 Milestone — By 1471, Henry VI and his son Prince Edward had died, allowing Edward IV to reclaim the throne.
4. 1474: 1474 Milestone — The Treaty of London (French: Traités de Londres) was an agreement between Charles the Bold of Burgundy and King Edward IV of England signed on 25 July 1474.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of London (1474)

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of London required Charles the Bold to recognize Edward IV as the King of France.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty included a clause where Charles agreed to recognize Edward IV's claim to the French throne, in addition to his English kingship.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 1st Dalai Lama — Historical peer (Died in 1474) (1474): Founding spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the 1st Dalai Lama.
• Guillaume Du Fay — Historical peer (Died in 1474) (1474): Leading composer of the early Renaissance, associated with the Burgundian School.
• Fra Angelico — Historical peer (Died in 1455) (1455): Dominican friar and painter of the early Florentine Renaissance, known for religious frescoes.
• Johann Reuchlin — Historical peer (Born in 1455) (1455): German humanist scholar renowned for advancing Greek and Hebrew studies.
• Agüeybaná II — Historical peer (Born in 1470) (1470): Powerful Taíno cacique of Borinquen, leading resistance against Spanish conquest.
• Charles VIII of France — Historical peer (Born in 1470) (1470): King of France who secured the Duchy of Brittany and conquered the Italian Peninsula.
• Albrecht Dürer — Historical peer (Born in 1471) (1471): Master of the German Renaissance, renowned painter, printmaker, and theorist.
• Emperor Go-Hanazono — Historical peer (Died in 1471) (1471): The 102nd Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1428 to 1464 during a period of political upheaval.

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