1360: Treaty of Calais
The Treaty of Calais was stored in this chest of oak panels. It has been dated by tree ring analysis to around 1360, when the treaty was signed.
The Treaty of Calais marked a brief truce in the conflict between France and England now known as the 'Hundred Years War'. This war started in 1337 when the English king, Edward III, laid claim to the French throne. It did not end until the English lost control of Gascony in 1453.
At the time of the treaty, Edward III held a great deal of land in France. His military campaigns had been successful. His son, nick-named the Black Prince because of the colour of his armour, had captured King John II of France and imprisoned him in the Tower of London.
In the negotiations leading to the Treaty, the French agreed to pay a ransom for John of 3 million crowns (equal to Edward's income for 5 years). They also agreed to hand over huge tracts of land to the English, amounting to half of the kingdom of France. In return, the English agreed to release the French king and Edward gave up his claim to the French throne. When it came to be signed, however, Edward's agreement to give up the French throne and John's agreement to give land to the English were taken out.
The treaty was placed in this highly decorated chest. The inscription on the lid reads 'Pax facta Cales inter reges et regna Anglie et Francie die xxiv' (Peace made at Calais between the kings and kingdoms of England and France on the 24th day [October 1360]). The shields on the lid include those of France, England, the Black Prince and the Dauphin, eldest son of the king of France.
Chests such as this one were used in the Middle Ages to store precious documents. Wooden chests were often stored within larger iron chests with heavy locks. This gave protection against theft, damp and rats.
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