Ended the Second War of Scottish Independence and set ransom terms for King David II's release after his capture at Neville's Cross.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 3 October 1357
- Ransom demanded
- 100,000 merks (£67,000 sterling)
- Ransom repayment period
- 10 years in annual instalments
- David II captured at
- Battle of Neville's Cross, 1346
- Instalments actually paid
- 2 of 10
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346, King David II of Scotland was captured by English forces. Edward III of England had been waging the Second War of Scottish Independence since 1333, attempting to place Edward Balliol on the Scottish throne in place of David II, son of Robert the Bruce.
The Treaty of Berwick was signed on 3 October 1357 at Berwick-upon-Tweed, formally ending the Second War of Scottish Independence. Under its terms, David II was released in exchange for a ransom of 100,000 merks, payable in annual instalments over ten years.
Only the first two ransom instalments were paid, and David II began embezzling from his own ransom fund, causing widespread resentment and the ransom protest of 1363. He also offered to name Edward III or a son as his successor, which the Scottish Parliament rejected. David died in 1371 and Robert Stewart succeeded him.
Political Outcome
David II released from English captivity; Second War of Scottish Independence formally ended; ransom of 100,000 merks agreed but largely unpaid.
David II held captive in England; Edward Balliol backed as rival claimant to Scottish throne
David II restored to Scottish throne; Scotland indebted to England via ransom obligation