#whereas since the acts of union the auld alliance is rather less-so

[esoanem]

Beats the Anglo-Portuguese alliance (1373) by the best part of a century!

Could you possibly explain the “Auld Alliance” relationship with France? Someone mentioned it in a history podcast with no context and I’m just confused

The Auld Alliance or Vieille Alliance was an alliance between Scotland and France way back in 1295.

The terms were if either country was ever attacked by England then the other would invade England, and it happened quite a lot!

It’s always spoken of quite fondly, and was never actually formerly revoked.

Charles De Gaulle described it as “the oldest alliance in the world” and also had this to say:

“In every combat where for five centuries the destiny of France was at stake, there were always men of Scotland to fight side by side with men of France, and what Frenchmen feel is that no people has ever been more generous than yours with its friendship.”