The Treaty of Falaise formally subjected Scotland to English overlordship for the first time in writing, before being annulled in 1189.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- December 1174
- Castles transferred to England
- Roxburgh, Berwick, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Stirling
- Duration of subjugation
- ~15 years (1174–1189)
- Annulment payment by William
- 10,000 marks sterling
- Annulling agreement
- Quitclaim of Canterbury, 5 December 1189
- William captured at
- Battle of Alnwick, Northumbria
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
William I of Scotland joined the Revolt of 1173–1174 against Henry II of England. During an invasion of Northumbria, William was captured at the Battle of Alnwick and transported to Falaise in Normandy, leaving him with no leverage and little choice but to negotiate on Henry's terms.
In December 1174 at Falaise, the captive William I signed a written treaty acknowledging Henry II's dominion over Scotland. For the first time the subordination of the Scottish crown to the English crown was formally set down in writing, encompassing the king, nobles, clergy, their heirs, judicial matters, and the transfer of five major Scottish castles to English garrisons.
For approximately 15 years William was compelled to observe English overlordship, requiring royal permission even to suppress domestic uprisings, while Henry II extended his authority to selecting William's bride. The treaty was nullified in 1189 when Richard I, in exchange for 10,000 marks, issued the Quitclaim of Canterbury, restoring Scottish sovereignty and reverting to the previously undefined personal traditions of fealty between the two crowns.
Political Outcome
Scotland placed under formal English overlordship; annulled by the Quitclaim of Canterbury in 1189, restoring Scottish sovereignty.
Scotland operated under vague, informal traditions of fealty and homage to the English crown with no written subjugation.
Scotland formally subordinated to England in writing, with English garrisons in five castles and English authority over Scottish king, nobles, and clergy.