Select Articles from the Treaty of Ryswick, 1697

Three treaties were signed at Ryswick, September 20, 1697, securing peace between Louis XIV of France on the one side, and on the other William III of Orange (acting for Great Britain), the United Provinces of the Low Countries, and Charles II of Spain. These treaties concluded the War of the League of Augsburg which had been fought for the previous eight years.

The following select articles are taken from the first of the three treaties. Louis XIV (who until this point had continued to recognise King James II as King of Great Britain) now agreed to recognise the Prince of Orange as King of Great Britain. Louis also promised not to provide any assistance to those who opposed the Prince of Orange.

Several months before the signing of this treaty, King James II, knowing what was about to happen, had issued a protest against any such treaty with the Prince of Orange.

A printed version of the full text of all three treaties can be found on pages 145 - 176 of volume 1 of Major Peace Treaties of Modern History, 1648-1967, edited by Fred L. Israel (New York: Chelsea House, 1967).

That there be an universal and perpetual peace and a true and sincere friendship, between the Most Serene and Mighty Prince William III King of Great Britain, and the Most Serene and Mighty Prince Lewis XIV the Most Christian King, their heirs and successors, and between the Kingdoms, states and subjects of both; and that the same be so sincerely and inviolably observed and kept, that the one shall promote the interest, honour and advantage of the other; and that on both sides a faithful neighbourhood, and true observation of peace and friendship, may daily flourish and increase.

And since the Most Christian King was never more desirous of any thing than that the peace be firm and inviolable, the said King promises and agrees for himself and his successors, that he will on no account whatsoever disturb the said King of Great Britain, in the free possession of the Kingdoms, countries, lands or dominions which he now enjoys; and therefore engages his honour, upon the faith and word of a king, that he will not give or afford any assistance, directly or indirectly, to any enemy or enemies of the said King of Great Britain; and that he will in no manner whatsoever favour the conspiracies of plots which any Rebels, or ill-disposed persons, may in any place excite or contrive against the said King: and for that end promises and engages, that he will not assist with arms, ammunition, ships, provisions or money, or in any other way, by sea or land, any person or persons who shall hereafter, under any pretence whatsoever, disturb or molest the said King of Great Britain, in the free and full possession of his Kingdoms, countries, lands and dominions. The King and successors, Kings of Great Britain, that he will inviolably do and perform the same towards the said Most Christian King, his Kingdoms, countries, lands and dominions.