The Treaty of Edinburgh and the Disinherited (1328–1332)

Abstract

It has generally been accepted that the treaty of Edinburgh, which formalized peace between Scotland and England in 1328, made no provision for restoring the disinherited lords of England and Scotland who had lost land in one realm for supporting the monarch of the other. The fact that some restorations did occur has been attributed to a hypothetical agreement made between Isabella of England and Robert I's deputies at the wedding of David II and Joan of the Tower in July 1328. However, the wording of various English demands for restorations after 1330 indicates clearly that the treaty itself must have contained a clause which provided for reinheritance. This raises the question why Robert I changed his policy so drastically. It is suggested that the reason lay in the power wielded by several disinherited Englishmen at the English court, which could put pressure on Edward III's regents and might have wrecked the peace negotiations if they were not indulged. The reason why the Scots ultimately failed to carry out most of the promised restorations may be sought in the changing political climate at the English court and the fall from favour of the lords in question.