How often does a treaty shape alliances for centuries? Here we are in Tagilde e Vizela. This place witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Tagilde. It laid the foundation for the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance. This alliance stands as the oldest continuous treaty in effect.
Tagilde e Vizela is more than just a location. It is a place with a rich history. It is officially known as União das Freguesias de Tagilde e Vizela. This parish is located in the municipality of Vizela. It resides within the district of Braga. Covering 5.25 square kilometers it had 3364 inhabitants in 2011.
The parish of Tagilde e Vizela was formed through administrative reorganization. In 2012 and 2013 the former parishes of Tagilde and São Paio de Vizela were joined. Both had been part of Guimarães until 1998. That year Vizela became its own municipality.
But why is Tagilde e Vizela so important? Let’s journey back to July 10 1372. King Ferdinand I of Portugal and John of Gaunt met here. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, had a claim to the Crown of Castile. He was also the son of English King Edward III. This treaty between them had far-reaching effects.
The Treaty of Tagilde established the legal basis for an alliance. This led to the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373. It was signed in London. The Treaty of Windsor in 1386 then solidified the alliance.
Before the treaty disputes raged over the Castilian throne. D. Pedro and his illegitimate brother D. Enrique de Trastámara fought for control. D. Pedro died in battle in 1369. King Ferdinand then declared war on D. Enrique. John of Gaunt married D. Pedro’s daughter Constance in 1371. This gave him a claim to the Castilian throne. King Ferdinand also had a claim. He was the great-grandson of a previous king of Castile.
For Ferdinand the treaty meant a chance to protect Portugal’s independence. It was a defense against Castile’s interference. The treaty stated that the two signatories would wage war against Castile on two fronts. The English would attack from the north and the Portuguese from the west.
King Ferdinand sent ambassadors to England after signing the treaty. They presented it to the Duke of Lancaster at the Savoy Palace in London. The ambassadors also sought alliances with Edward III and his son Edward Prince of Wales. These talks led to the Treaty of London in 1373. Later in 1385 the Portuguese army aided by English soldiers defeated Castilian forces at the Battle of Aljubarrota.
Tagilde e Vizela also boasts another point of interest. Arriconha in Tagilde was the birthplace of Saint Gundisalvus of Amarante in 1187. He was a Portuguese Catholic priest who went on pilgrimages. He traveled to Rome and Jerusalem. He became famous for performing miracles.
Today Tagilde e Vizela stands as a testament to enduring alliances. It is also the home of a revered saint. Its history has shaped both Portugal and Europe. Remember Tagilde e Vizela as the place where a treaty sparked an alliance. This alliance continues to shape nations even now.