The Treaty of Brétigny and Its Ratification at Calais

The Treaty of Brétigny, initially agreed upon on May 8, 1360, was a critical accord during the Hundred Years’ War, designed to bring temporary peace between England and France. The treaty was ratified on October 24, 1360, at Calais, despite a reference to May 19, 1364, which appears to be outside the ratification timeline. Ratified between King Edward III of England and King John II of France, it marked a significant realignment of territorial control and financial obligations.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

1. Territorial Changes: Under this treaty, Edward III renounced his claim to the French throne but secured substantial territories. England gained full sovereignty over the Duchy of Aquitaine and other territories, including Calais, Ponthieu, and various territories in Brittany, essentially expanding English holdings in France.

2. Ransom for King John II: The treaty stipulated a significant reduction in the ransom demanded for King John II of France, who had been captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. Initially set at 4 million écus, the amount was reduced to 3 million écus. The payment was to be made in installments for the king’s release.

3. Hostage Release: The treaty allowed for the release of numerous hostages taken during military campaigns, providing them as guarantees until the king’s ransom could be fully paid.

4. Ceasefire and Peace: It established a period of truce in a war that had devastated both France and England, allowing both kingdoms to recuperate and manage their internal affairs without the burden of constant conflict.

Historical Context and Aftermath

The Treaty of Brétigny attempted to establish a lasting peace, but was more a temporary ceasefire in the broader context of the Hundred Years’ War. The treaty’s terms were contentious and proved difficult to enforce. Particularly troubling was enforcing English authority over the newly acquired territories in Aquitaine, as local populations and nobility often resisted English control.

The truce achieved by the treaty broke down relatively soon after its signing due to rising tensions over territorial and sovereignty issues. By the 1360s, the political landscape in both England and France had shifted, undermining the stability that the treaty tried to secure. The ongoing disputes, along with internal conflicts within France, eventually led to renewed hostilities, marking the resumption of the Hundred Years’ War.

In essence, while the Treaty of Brétigny was a notable effort to bring peace during the Hundred Years’ War, its lasting impact was limited. It temporarily halted the conflict and allowed time for both nations to regroup, but it did not address the underlying issues that fueled the war, leading to further conflict in successive decades.