The Treaty of Leake temporarily reconciled Edward II with the baronial opposition led by Lancaster, establishing conciliar constraints on royal authority.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 9 August 1318
- Location
- Leake, Nottinghamshire
- Pardons issued
- 600 of Lancaster's men received letters of pardon
- Key mediators
- Aymer de Valence and Humphrey de Bohun
- Days to kiss of peace
- 5 days after signing days
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Prolonged conflict between Edward II and his baronial opponents, particularly Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had brought England close to open civil war. Lancaster and others demanded enforcement of the Ordinances of 1311 and removal of royal favourites, while Edward resisted concessions. A 'Middle Party' of courtiers and moderate magnates sought a workable compromise.
The Treaty of Leake was signed on 9 August 1318 at Leake in Nottinghamshire between the Middle Party and Lancaster's faction. It upheld the Ordinances of 1311, granted pardon to Lancaster and his followers, and established a standing council—including a banneret nominated by Lancaster—without whose agreement the king could not exercise authority.
Five days after signing, Edward II and Lancaster exchanged the kiss of peace, and 600 of the Earl's men received formal pardons. The king publicly declared at St Paul's Cathedral his commitment to the Ordinances and baronial counsel. The treaty temporarily stabilised royal governance under conciliar oversight, though tensions between the king and magnates would later resume.
Political Outcome
Agreement reached: Ordinances of 1311 upheld, Lancaster pardoned, a royal council established with baronial representation limiting unilateral royal authority.
King governed with favourites largely unchecked; Lancaster waged near-open war and boycotted parliaments.
Royal authority constrained by a standing council; Lancaster integrated as peer with a nominated banneret on the council.