The Treaty of Nonsuch - August 10, 1585

On August 10, 1585, the Treaty of Nonsuch was signed in Nonsuch Palace, Surrey, effectively marking England’s official intervention in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This pivotal moment occurred during the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648), a protracted conflict between the Protestant Dutch provinces and the Catholic Spanish Empire.

Context and Background

The Treaty of Nonsuch was a response to the dire situation faced by the Dutch rebels, who were struggling to maintain their independence from the dominion of the Spanish Habsburgs, led by King Philip II of Spain. The Dutch provinces were embroiled in a battle for religious and political autonomy, which was part of the broader European conflicts known as the Wars of Religion.

Prior to the treaty, Queen Elizabeth I of England had been hesitant to engage directly in the conflict. However, several factors ultimately pushed her towards intervention:

• Protestant Solidarity: The plight of the Protestant Dutch resonated with the Protestant state of England, fostering a sense of religious solidarity.
• Spanish Threat: The increasing strength and aggression of Spain posed a direct threat to England, particularly with the presence of Spanish troops in the Spanish Netherlands.
• Economic Interests: The thriving commercial networks between England and the Dutch provinces were at risk under Spanish control.

Terms of the Treaty

The terms of the Treaty of Nonsuch were significant and included the following commitments:

1. Military Support: Elizabeth I agreed to send a force of 6,400 infantry and 1,000 cavalry to assist the Dutch rebels.
2. Financial Aid: England promised substantial financial support, estimated at around 600,000 florins per annum, to sustain the military efforts.
3. Garrisoning Cities: England would take on the responsibility of garrisoning key Dutch towns, including Brill and Flushing, to secure strategic positions.

In exchange for this assistance, the Dutch rebels agreed to cede these towns temporarily to English protection as a form of collateral to assure both their commitment to the cause and as security for English expenses.

Consequences and Significance

The signing of the Treaty of Nonsuch was a momentous event, signalling the start of open war between England and Spain, which would eventually culminate in the Spanish Armada’s attempted invasion of England in 1588. It also sent a clear message that England would not tolerate unchecked Spanish expansion and dominance in Europe.

The treaty solidified the Anglo-Dutch alliance, though it was fraught with complications. The English forces faced numerous challenges, including supply issues and coordination difficulties with the Dutch. Despite these obstacles, the agreement marked a significant escalation in the Eighty Years’ War and demonstrated Elizabeth I’s commitment to countering Spanish influence.

Overall, the Treaty of Nonsuch reinforced the geopolitical and religious divides within Europe that would shape the continent for decades to come.