Marriage contract no. 23: Frankreich - England

  • Date of contract conclusion: 9. Oktober 1514
  • Place of contract conclusion: London

Groom

  • Name: Ludwig XII., König von Frankreich
  • GND: 118780735
  • Year of Birth: 1462
  • Year of Death: 1515
  • Dynasty: Valois
  • Confession: Katholisch

Bride

  • Name: Maria Tudor von England (Mary)
  • GND: 121150445
  • Year of Birth: 1496
  • Year of Death: 1533
  • Dynasty: Tudor
  • Confession: Katholisch

Actors of the Groom

  • Name: Ludwig XII., König von Frankreich
  • GND: 118780735
  • Dynasty: Valois
  • Relationship: /

Actors of the Bride

  • Name: Heinrich VIII., König von England
  • GND: 118548204
  • Dynasty: Tudor
  • Relationship: Bruder

Contract content

[Preface] – Following the conclusion of peace and alliance between both countries through the mediation of Pope Leo X, for the consolidation, preservation and enhancement of friendship between princes: blood ties agreed, marriage proposal made by groom and accepted by bride’s brother: deemed beneficial for peace, prosperity and tranquillity in Christendom (423 left – right), Negotiation of marriage contract announced: between negotiators, to the praise and honour of God, for the benefit and peace of Christendom, both countries and their subjects (423 re – 424 li)

[1-3] – Marriage agreed: by the groom’s procurator within ten days of the conclusion of the contract, then by the groom himself (424 li – 424 re)

[4] – Transfer of the bride to France, solemn marriage agreed: including dowry, within two months of the conclusion of the contract, in Abbéville (424 re)

[5] – Dowry determined: half offset against the transfer and trousseau of the bride and French tribute payment to England in accordance with the deed of 7 August 1514 (424re – 425 re)

[6] – Widow’s estate promised to the bride: modelled on Queen Anne of France, usable in France or England depending on the bride’s chosen place of residence as a widow, guaranteed by deeds (425 re – 426 li)

[7] – Bride’s rights of use of widow’s estate, trousseau regulated (426 li)

[8] – After the death of the bride: use of dowry, widow’s property, trousseau regulated by the groom, if applicable (426 li – re)

[9] – Ratification, exchange of documents regulated: within 40 days of conclusion of the contract (426 re)

(Powers of attorney of the negotiators inserted) (426 re – 427 re)

Text reference to past events

Peace and friendship treaty of London, 7 August 1514 mentioned - Pre

Further contracts between contracting parties

Peace and friendship treaty of London, 7 August 1514

Trade treaty of London, 15 April 1515

Alliance of London, 2 October 1518

Treaties of London, 4 October 1518

League of Zaragoza, 14 January 1519

References

  • Archive copy: TNA E 30 / 751 (according to Parry/Hopkins 1970, vol. II, p. 36)
  • Print reference: Rymer 1704-1717, vol. XIII, pp. 423-427
  • Contract language print: Latin

Keywords

War of the Holy League 1511-1514