Edward II will receive Norwegian envoys
DN 19/525 · 17 febr. 1325 · Westminster
What the letter says
King Edward II of England writes from Westminster on 17 February 1325 to Archbishop Eilif of Nidaros, the drottsete Erling Vidkunsson and the others in the Norwegian king's council. He answers a letter from them about peace between the realms. He says that he wishes to have peace with all neighbouring peoples, and especially with the king of Norway and his subjects. If they send envoys with full powers, he will receive them under his protection and safe conduct and do what he can for peace.
The letter in modern English
[Heading in the register: On establishing peace between the king of Norway and the king of England.] The King to the venerable father in Christ Eilif, by the same grace archbishop of Nidaros, to Erling Vidkunsson, steward of the lord king of Norway, and to the other councillors of the same king, greeting. Your circumspection has written to us asking that we graciously admit such proposals for peace as we ourselves wish to come from your side, both to foster the mutual friendship between us and the king of Norway and between our subjects and his from now on, and to achieve the common good of both realms in the future. On this we make known to your prudence with a pure heart that we, as far as it concerns us, wish to have peace with the peoples of all neighbouring nations, and especially with the said king and his subjects, since we consider the fellowship between the inhabitants of these realms to be of mutual benefit. If therefore you will send envoys to us with sufficient powers to establish and renew such peace and concord, we will receive them graciously under our protection and safe conduct, and show ourselves ready and benevolent in whatever may serve to make the peace and concord firm. Witnessed by the King at Westminster on 17 February.
Original text
De pace inter Regem Norwagie et Regem Anglie stabilienda. Rex venerabili in Christo patri Elauo eadem gracia Nidrosiensi Archiepiscopo, Erlingo Vykuno dapifero domini Regis Norwagiij, ceterisque eiusdem Regis consiliariis salutem. Cum scripsit nobis vestra circumspeccio requirendo, vt tam propter mutuam amiciciam inter nos et ipsum Regem Norwagie et nostros, ac eiusdem Regis subditos de cetero nutriendam quam propter commune bonum Regnorum vtrorumque imposterum consequendum tales pacis
Background
The letter suggests that relations between the realms were strained, probably because of disputes and claims between Norwegian and English merchants. The letter shows that it was Erling and the Council of the Realm who conducted Norway's foreign policy while King Magnus was a child. The Norwegians took the initiative, since Edward is answering a letter they had sent. Edward II was king of England from 1307 to 1327, and the letter survives as a copy in the English royal registers, the so-called Close Rolls. Erling is called «dapifer» here, the Latin word for drottsete.
People: Erling Vidkunsson