Treaty of Falaise

The Treaty of Falaise, signed in December 1174, was a pivotal agreement between William the Lion, King of Scotland, and Henry II of England, following William's capture at the Battle of Alnwick during the Great Revolt. To secure his release, William was compelled to recognize Henry II as his feudal overlord, effectively rendering Scotland a vassal state to England. Additionally, Scottish castles, including key fortifications like Edinburgh, Stirling, and Roxburgh, were handed over to English garrisons as guarantees of the treaty's terms. This treaty marked a low point in Scottish sovereignty, lasting until 1189 when Richard the Lionheart, in need of funds for the Third Crusade, agreed to the Treaty of Canterbury, annulling the Treaty of Falaise and restoring Scottish independence in exchange for a monetary payment.