English embassies to France in the reign of Edward I

Abstract

This investigation was suggested by the similar enquiry for a later period published by M.M.Mirot and Deprez in their Ambassades Anglaises pendant la guerre de Cent Ans (1327-1369). Information has been obtained chiefly from accounts presented by envoys in the King's Wardrobe (P.R.O. Lists & Indexes No. XXXV pp.186-7)together with other types of Wardrobe accounts, such as tituli de necessariis or de donis in the complete annual statement drawn up by the keeper, or rolls of debts or payments. Use has been made also of Ancient Correspondence and of the Diplomatic Documents preserved in the Chancery and the Exchequer, catalogued recently in P.R.O.List No.XLIX, as well as of the printed calendars of Chancery Rolls (Patent and Close), the Gascon Rolls, and such general collections as Rymer's Foedera. The principal chroniclers 1. Bibliotheque de l'Ecole des Chartes XLIX, 552.of the period, French and English, have been consulted. The subject has been treated in 3 sections a) the type of ambassadors employed; b) their financial and documentary equipment; c) the objects of their missions. It was noted that the personnel varied greatly in status arid that almost every embassy contained both laymen and Clerks. Documentary equipment comprised protections, safe conducts, credentials and instructions, besides documents to support the envoy's arguments. Transcripts are appended of a) a form used for charging ambassadors to France, b) a safe conduct, c) two sets of instructions. In connection with financial equipment, it was Interesting to see the general administrative development of the reign reflected in a change by which the Wardrobe instead of the Exchequer became responsible for the envoy's expenses. The objects of Anglo-French diplomacy in Edward I's reign fall naturally into the following groups; a. The execution of the Treaty of Paris of 1259.b. The Castilian and Sicilian arbitrations. c. Maritime disputes and the outbreak of war. d. negotiations for the close of the war.(i) The premature peace overtures of 1295-6.(ii) negotiations for the treaty of Montreuil of 1299.(iii) negotiations from 1299 - the Treaty of Paris, 1303. e. The aftermath of the Treaty(i) The performance of homage.(li) The settlement of indemnities. Neither of these questions were settled when Edward I died.