Oldest Allies, L:.

MM member work to Lodge Oldest Allies, UGLE, 2014.

Oldest Allies Following the previous work and study of our informal fellowship tour visit, last October, to the Castle of St. George, I remember that the almost 900 years of Portuguese history is, since its beginnings, shared with England. The lodge Oldest Allie is a bridge for a friendship that has been cultivated for centuries and, one week after the 1st 2015 session, at 9 of May, are celebrated the 629 years of Windsor Treaty… I had to give honours to the eternal queen of Portugal, Philippa of Lancaster, born on 31 March 1360, was the oldest child of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and Blanche of Lancaster. The reason of this work focuses in the importance of Queen Philippa in Portuguese history and the reader of this work can jump directly to page 10, whose small tribute to Filipa de Lencastre or Philippa of Lancaster, here humbly do! Before I pass to the Queen I make a short contextual introduction of relations between the two nations among the centuries, which I think it´s important to deepen: Since Englishmen Templars / Crusaders come from England to help the troops of our first King Afonso Henriques, taking the city of Lisbon from the Moors, during The Second Crusade (the Siege of Lisbon, Took place in 1147). It began a spirit of friendship and partnership in the same ideals, work interests and mutual benefits. Years later, in 1373, this friendship was duly protocolled by the Treaty of friendship and mutual support between Portugal and England, known as the 'Anglo-Portuguese Alliance' and signed by King Edward III of England, by King Ferdinand I and Queen Leonor of Portugal. The oldest political alliance in the world between two countries was reinforced several times: on May 9, 1386 with the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Windsor, signed on 24 February 1387. The first Treaty was reconfirmed in 1643, 1354, 1660, 1661, 1703, 1815, and also by a secret declaration in 1899. In the historical context before signing the Treaty of Windsor, we know that The Holy Dom Nuno Alvares Pereira, Constable of the Kingdom, considered St. George responsible for the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota, 14 de Agosto de 1385, whose English military aid was critical to the victorious outcome against the Castilians. This victory consolidated D. João I, Master of Avis, king of Portugal, the first of the Avis Dynasty. King John I, who was also devotee of the Holy and St. George, and was in his reign that St. George Replaced Santiago as patron of Portugal. The cry of war and the cult to St George that Englishmen Crusaders bring to Portugal, since the wars against the moors, was finally made official and, in 1387, the king also ordered that St George image was carried on horseback in the procession of the body of Christ.

St George's image in the St George Castle, Lisbon.

The Luso-British or Anglo-Portuguese alliance also been strengthened after this battle and a year later, sealed with the signing of the Treaty of Windsor, in May 1386, between King John I and King Richard II and by the king's marriage John I with Philippa of Lancaster. Was formally confirmed the alliance that has served the foundation for bilateral relations between the two countries for more than 600 years. As thanks for the victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota, D. João I ordered the construction of the Monastery of Batalha (Battle Monastery).

Photo of the Monastery of Batalha, Portugal

In the Annex, at the end, follows the document known as the Treaty of Windsor, dated May 9, 1386, containing the ratification of Richard II, King of England in Westminster to February 24, 1387.

This document relates the full power given by John I to the master of Santiago and Lourenço Eanes Fogaça to negotiate and adjust the treaty of peace, friendship and confederation with Richard II of England, given in Coimbra on April 15, 1385 and the full power of Richard II, king of England given to its attorneys to the same effects, in Westminster April 12, 1386.

The Treaty of Windsor and the marriage of John I with Philippa of Lancaster, who sealed the Treaty of Windsor, laid the foundations of the Portuguese foreign policy and the first extra-Iberian diplomatic connection of the Portuguese Kingdom and also sealed the lives of the royal couple and all of our lives for the centuries until our days.

One of the most important occasions of our joint history was the marriage in 1662 between Catherine of Braganza, daughter of King John IV, and King Charles II. She left, at least, to England the orange marmalade, the habit of afternoon tea drinking, and the introduction of the use of cutlery and tobacco. According to reports her popularity in the USA was great and was even given in her honour the name of one of the neighbourhoods of New York City; Queens.

Queen Consort of England, Scotland and Ireland Kingdom. April 23, 1662 to February 6, 1685.

The alliance proved to be very important to the political goals of the two maritime countries which had to meet the challenges raised by its continental neighbours. For instance, exemplified in the recovery of Portuguese independence, in 1640, after 60 years of Spanish occupation and also during the Peninsular War, with the support that Duke of Wellington gave to Portuguese Army. The alliance was also raised in the context of the two World Wars, contributing to the capture of German ships in the Portuguese coast and for the control of the Atlantic Ocean from Lajes Base, in the Azores. More recently, during the Falklands War, this same base was used to restock the British aircraft and ships. During the Seven Years War Portugal lined with England and was invaded by a Franco-Spanish army of about 40,000 men. Portugal asked for help, and England sent a force of 8,000 men. The Anglo-Portuguese army, about 18,000 men, repelled the invasion. According to the Treaty of Windsor, Portugal fought on the Allied side in World War I and, during World War II, United Kingdom again invoked the Treaty to ensure that Portugal would not support the centre European powers. According to a British historian it would be no problem because, apparently, the prime minister of Portugal, Antonio Salazar, was a discreet opponent of these powers and even managed to save Franco's Spain out of the war. In the economic field, the Treaty of Methuen in 1703, gave free access to British wool in Portugal and enabled the reduction of tariffs imposed on imports of Portuguese wines in England. On October 12, 1943 the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, made a statement in Parliament about an agreement with Portugal: "In the first place we settle and covenant that there shall be from this day forward … true, faithful, constant, mutual and perpetual friendships, unions, alliances and needs of sincere affection and that as true and faithful friends we shall henceforth, reciprocally, be friends to friends and enemies to enemies, and shall assist, maintain and uphold each other mutually, by sea and by land, against all men that may live or die." Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made two state visits to Portugal, in February 1957 and March 1985. On both occasions, the Queen, as the English representative of our oldest ally, was very well received by the Portuguese people. Relations in the economic area are supported by a significant volume of trade, the promotion of foreign investment and an important exchange in tourism. With regard to trade, 2012 data, the UK is our 4th client and remains the 6th supplier, in the overall volume of trade is characterized by being very balanced in the goods sector and favourable to Portugal in services area, reaching 7 billion pounds in 2009. The British direct investment in Portugal continues to assume a highly prominent position, and in 2009 reached a value of about 5 billion euros, mainly in financial services and tourism. Tourism is a good sector example of the importance of this sector on the creation and deepening of ties between the two countries. The UK is second in the number of people visiting Portugal - about 2 million a year - and first in overnight stays. The sun and golf are the main attractions for British tourists, which are the main reasons why more than 70,000 Britons have a principal or secondary residence in Portugal. Many other historical aspects could be here written and detailed, but it will be a good subject for a book collection or for small write works that other brothers want to deepen. I let already the tone for a new work about our mason brother Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal, that as sent, in 1738, as ambassador to London. The cultural character of Londom, politics and British social atmosphere, reformist and liberal, forever marked the Marquis of Pombal and influence the fate of Portugal. As in 1755, he was appointed Prime Minister of the kingdom, by king by José I. His first reform was a new and formal constitution that definitely abolished the feudal state in Portugal. The minister's relentlessness to make everyone submit to laws, to work and national interests had created him immediately enemies within the Portuguese nobility, who opposed the loss of rights they considered acquired. Taking as example the English success, he implements reform measures in the Portuguese economy. Held several administrative, economic and social reforms. Abolished slavery in the Portuguese mainland and abolished the Inquisition, taking the control to himself.

Blue Plaque in old Portuguese embassy.

All these reforms were intended to implement a rational policy in the administration without weakening the real power. Our brother Sebastião José has preserved Portuguese absolutism and some of the crown mercantilism, using the Enlightenment ideas that ran in Europe and the profound influence of his studies in London. It was the perfect example of enlightened despot and one of the great prime ministers of this country. Filipa de Lencaste

Philippa of Lancaster, the English Portuguese Queen. After this brief historical report, that much stayed for writing, I return to the subject of my work; eternal Queen Philippa of Lancaster; To seal the Treaty of Windsor King João I and Philippa married by procuration on February 2, 1387 in Porto, starting the Second Portuguese Dynasty. It was the mayor of Porto who served as groom substitute, since apparently the king regarded this marriage more like a dynastic question than as a love affair. Soon, he began to change his mind. Philippa was unusually well educated for a woman of that time. His housekeeper, Katherine Swynford, was father's mistress Philippa, who later got married to her. Philippa Roet, Katherine's sister, married Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English literature and the greatest medieval English poet. John of Gaunt became patron of Chaucer, which start spent much time with the family as one of many mentors and Philippa teachers. Chaucer also had a deep interest in science, astrology and navigation, wrote a treatise upon the astrolabe and taught Philippa to use it. In youth, also studied science with Friar John, a pioneer of physics and chemistry, poetry with the poet and French chronicler Jean Froissart, who spent a few years in England, and philosophy and theology with the confessor of his father, John Wycliffe, an English that was a philosopher, theologian, lay preacher, translator, reformer, a professor of philosophy at Oxford and was the first to translate the Bible into English, and was known as a first dissident in the Roman Catholic Church, during the XIV century, before the Protestant Reformation. Philippa also had many readings of Greek and Roman scholars as Pliny and Herodotus, and was diligent in his study of religion. Was Married, soon showed a deep sense of duty. Her deeply rooted sense of justice led her to be extremely passionate in taking defense of what was right. This has not changed the expansive temperament of King John, but its severity and virtues passed it on to their children, and she had a profound influence on the character and customs of the Court. The following years were no longer the same and influenced a new generation of Portuguese, which I emphasize their own children.

The picture of Philippa shows a young woman with a soft and tender air, but she was not weak. The newly married Queen took the trouble to send the previous king's mistress to a monastery outside Lisbon (at that time) to prevent him from seeing her, ensuring that she would receive a fair pension and treated with respect. After that, the queen received the children that the lover had had with the king, and created them all together with their own children as they were born. Over time, it turned out to win the hearts and the king's affection.

Although Philippa has been seen as presenting a dignified piety posture of a queen, was criticized for being a wife that interfere in the affairs of her husband, but the queen always exercised a significant influence both the Portuguese and English courts and was actively involved in world affairs. According to letters that have come down to our days, we conclude that Philippa often wrote to the English court from Portugal and has remained involved with the English policy. This involvement in Portuguese affairs is a reflection of the involvement of Philippa with her husband and, as much as possible, Philippa and John went all places together, giving the image of a loving and happy family. Their children pass through life making important historical contributions. Among its nine children counted to D. Duarte, who became the 11th king of Portugal, and was known as "The King-Philosopher" and "The Eloquent". Another son, Henry, nicknamed "The Navigator", joined successfully sailors and scientists to promote nautical science, and sponsored expeditions to Africa, that led to subsequent Discoveries and Portuguese Expansion, in one of the glorious historical periods of Portugal. The union of Philippa and King John was praised for establishing purity and virtue in a court that was seen as particularly corrupt. Philippa is remembered as the mother of the illustrious Generation (often translated in English as "Illustrious Generation" or "Marvellous Generation") is a term commonly used by Portuguese historians to refer to a group of 15th-century infantes (princes) of the House of Aviz. The appellation Ínclita Geração was originally coined by Portuguese poet Luís de Camões in his 16th-century epic Os Lusíadas, (Canto IV, stanza 50) on the death of John I:

Original Portuguese Não consentiu a morte tantos anos Que de Herói tão ditoso se lograsse Portugal, mas os coros soberanos Do Céu supremo quis que povoasse. Mas, pera defensão dos Lusitanos, Deixou Quem o levou, quem governasse E aumentasse a terra mais que dantes: Ínclita geração, altos Infantes. Literal English Translation Death did not consent that for so many years Portugal could enjoy that felicitous Hero, but the sovereign choirs of the supreme Heaven wanted him among themselves, But for the defense of the Lusitanians, He who removed him, left behind those that would govern and augment the land more than ever : Illustrious generation, high Royal Princes.

The expression “Illustrious generation” refers to the individual value of these princes, those who reached adulthood, since the first two children of the couple died still children. Philippa hired English tutors for their education and they soon stood out for their high level of education, military value, great wisdom and predominance in the Portuguese public life.

They were:

Blanche, 1388-1389. (known in Portugal as Branca). English historians said that the couple agreed to call the first child a Portuguese name, if it was boy, or English name if was a girl and then switch the names, regardless of gender. The King´s first daughter was called Blanche, from the Philippa's mother.

Afonso, 1390-1400. Get sick and die after a trip to Braga.

D. Duarte, 1391-1438. Edward was called the Philosopher or the Eloquent, 11th King of Portugal and the Algarve and second Lord of Ceuta from 1433 until his death.

Pedro, 1392-1449. Peter was considered the most learned prince of his time, lord of great culture, well-travelled and known as "Prince of the Seven Games". Was regent of Alfonso V of Portugal, his nephew; died in combat in the Battle of Alfarrobeira;

Henrique, 1394-1460. Henry is known as "Henry the Navigator", was the great promoter and Booster of the Portuguese Discoveries. Henry the Navigator, probably called so from one of his uncles, King Henry IV of England.

The Portuguese journalist Carlos Magno takes as common ground that Henry is the only Portuguese referred in all the history books of Europe.

The figure of Henry holding a miniature ship, in the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon

Isabel, 1397-1471. Married to the Duke of Burgundy and considered the real ruler of Burgundy. It was in her honour that the Order of the Golden Fleece was created.

João, 1400-1442. John was appointed, in 1418, Master of the Order of Santiago, constable of Portugal (1431-1442) and grandfather of Queen Isabella of Castile and king Manuel I of Portugal.

Fernando, 1402-1433. The Holy Prince who, by mother's influence, developed a preference for the Sarum Rite of Salisbury (Rite that would influence the Anglican Church), introduced in the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) by Philippa. He died as a hostage in the Muslim captive, on the city of Fez, sacrificed to the interests of the country.

Through the 1420s, the princes dedicated themselves to individual pursuits - Edward to philosophy, Peter to celebrated tours of Renaissance Europe and Henry to his nautical charts. The 'illustrious' label of this generation refers in good part to the intellectual achievements of the princes during this period. It also justifies the inclusion of Isabella of Portugal in this list, as she helped transpose much of the Renaissance spirit and flair of the Burgundian court back to stuffy Medieval Lisbon.

Panel of the famous polyptych of St. Vicent by painter Nuno Gonçalves, believed to represent the four younger sons of John I: Ferdinand the Holy (on top, in black), John of Reguengos (left, red), Peter of Coimbra (right, green), Henry the Navigator (bottom, purple)

When the queen became pregnant for the last time, in 1402, was 43 years old, and the doctors were seriously worried because their health had been at risk during the previous pregnancy. She had several miscarriages after the birth of Isabel, so they offered her the chance to have an abortion, which she promptly refused, giving birth to Fernando.

After the end of Portuguese involvement in several wars with Castile and the Moors, the Portuguese economy was failing and many soldiers were now unemployed. Philippa knew that the conquest and control of Ceuta, in North Africa, it would be very profitable for Portugal, with the control of African and Indian spice route. Although Philippa died before her plan is realized, Portugal sent even an expedition to conquer the city, a goal that was held in August 14, 1415, with the Battle of Ceuta.

According to the chronicler Gomes Eanes de Zurara, all the brothers participated in the 1415 Conquest of Ceuta and were knighted in the aftermath by their father, John I of Portugal with arming swords supplied by their dying mother, Philippa of Lancaster. They began receiving their lordships in the aftermath, in 1416. Peter was made duke of Coimbra, Henry duke of Viseu, etc. King John I also began to seize control of the main military orders of Portugal by securing from the pope the appointment of his sons as their grand masters - John taking the Order of Santiago in 1418, Henry the Order of Christ in 1420 and Ferdinand succeeding to his own Order of Aviz. John I appointed young John to succeed his loyal lieutenant Nuno Álvares Pereira as Constable of Portugal (high military chief) in 1431.

At 53, as her mother, Philippa fell ill with the plague. Moved from Lisbon to Sacavém, she called her sons to her bedside to bless. Philippa offered to the three older children swords with jewels, which they would use when they closely were armed knights, also give each them a portion of the True Cross, "ordering them to preserve their faith and that always fulfil the duties of their status ".

Although the King John had been reluctant to marry her, become very fond of his wife, and historians said he was "so hurt by the deadly disease ... he could not eat or sleep." In his final hours, it is said that Philippa was lucid and without pain.

Philippa / Philippa and her husband were buried in the Monastery of Batalha, a single sarcophagus, like many other real or noble couples.

The sarcophagus - Dona Philippa / Philippa of Lancaster holding a book and King John I of Portugal holding a sword. As in many other tombs of couples, they are presented to joining hands

Philippa was the only English Queen of Portugal. Due to the Treaty of Windsor and marriage with Philippa, Portugal and the world saw to become to the Light, what was perhaps the most golden era in Portuguese history. Visionary and inventive governors began a process of globalization by Discoveries and provided “new worlds to the world”. Her proximity to the husband, along with Philippa education, make me think that she may have been the muse of the Portuguese Discoveries, starting exactly in the reign of her husband.

For this I thank you forever my eternal queen Filipa de Lencastre! Thank you for the education you give to your sons and to make a generation of rulers of free mind men, only a few are upon to.

In the words of Father António Vieira "In Portugal we born by mission or by punishment." Philippa left her country and fulfils its mission. Queen and mother, this English lady was inspiring for the rebirth of Portugal.

I would like to see today who educate integrity and rigor in responsibilities management in the country where God sent me to be born.

With my greatest esteem to all brethren

Luís Cruz, Oldeste Allies L:. M:.M:.

"Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Portugal (1640-1910)

Bibliography

AMES, Glenn, J., Renascent Empire?: the house of Braganza and the quest for stability in Portuguese monsoon Asia, c. 1640-1683,

Arquivo nacional Torre do Tombo - http://digitarq.arquivos.pt/

http://portuguese-embassy.co.uk/pt/relacoes-bilaterais.html

Universidade Nova de Lisboa – Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - http://www.fcsh.unl.pt/cham/eve/content.php?printconceito=505

Wikipedia – Ínclita Geração - http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%8Dnclita_gera%C3%A7%C3%A3o

Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_Arms_of_the_Kingdom_of_Portugal_(1640-1910).png#mediaviewer/File:Coat_of_Arms_of_the_Kingdom_of_Portugal_(1640-1910).png

To know more about the Alliance:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Portuguese_Alliance

http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1943/oct/12/agreement-with-Portugal

http://www.omg-facts.com/History/Portugal-Stayed-Neutral-In-World-War-II/57163

http://www.angloportuguesesociety.org.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal%E2%80%93United_Kingdom_relations

First page of the Treaty that goes in Attachment.