Abstract
The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France begun in 1295 with the treaty of Paris and continued until the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England in 1707. Successive French and Scottish monarchs kept the alliance in place with formal treaties and marriage alliances. These strong family connections among the ruling classes influenced all ranks in society. Scotland’s military support of France in wars between France and England resulted in many Scottish lords being granted lands and titles as a reward for their service to the French crown. The ties between the two countries developed as increasing numbers of followers settled with their lords who had been rewarded with holdings, predominantly in France. The granting of naturalization to all Scottish or French subjects living respectively in France or Scotland was unprecedented for the time and could be regarded as a forerunner to todays European Union. This paper examines how links forged through the formal treaties ensured trade and cultural exchange continued even after the alliance officially ended.
Dysart, Fife Scotland, Authors home village and ancient trading harbour with France
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The Earls Palace Kirkwall , Orkney. Example of French Renaissance architecture.
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Detail on steps from Falkland Palace Fife Scotland, birthplace of James I and VI.
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Fountain in Linlithgow Palace, a present to his French Queen from James V . Inspired by French design