The Treaty of Edinburgh (1560)

On May 14, 1560, the Treaty of Edinburgh was signed, marking a crucial turning point in the conflict known as the Rough Wooing—a series of military campaigns between England and Scotland. However, it is important to clarify that the Treaty of Edinburgh was actually agreed upon on July 6, 1560.

Context Leading to the Treaty

1. Conflict Background:

   • The Rough Wooing originated from England’s attempts to enforce a marriage alliance between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Edward VI of England. Hostilities escalated, leading to intermittent warfare between England and Scotland and involving the French due to the Auld Alliance.

2. French and English Involvement:

   • Scotland had maintained strong ties with France through the Auld Alliance, which led to a substantial presence of French troops in Scotland to support Mary of Guise, the Queen Regent and mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
   • English forces, under the leadership of Elizabeth I, intervened following religious tensions driven by the Protestant Reformation, aligning with Scottish Protestant rebels.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

1. Military Withdrawal:

   • Both English and French troops were required to withdraw from Scottish territory, effectively ending foreign military intervention.

2. Restoration of Peace:

   • The treaty sought to establish a lasting peace by mandating the return of fortresses occupied during the conflicts, such as Leith and Edinburgh Castle, to Scottish control.

3. Political Implications:

   • This agreement underscored Scotland’s autonomy and aimed to quell political unrest by limiting external influence from major European powers.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

1. Shift in Power Dynamics:

   • The removal of foreign troops facilitated the Scottish Reformation, leading to the establishment of a Protestant church in Scotland and diminishing French influence.

2. Mary, Queen of Scots:

   • Although intended to pacify the region, the treaty sowed seeds for future disputes, as Mary, a devout Catholic, returned to a Protestant Scotland and faced challenges to her authority.

3. Anglo-Scottish Relations:

   • The treaty marked a significant moment in Anglo-Scottish relations, as it contributed to a temporary reduction in hostilities and allowed for diplomatic engagement.

The Treaty of Edinburgh significantly altered the political and religious landscape of Scotland, representing a negotiated solution to a complex period of warfare and alliance-building in 16th-century Europe.