The Treaty of Ripon concluded a series of conflicts known as the Bishops' Wars, with the Second Bishops' War primarily occurring from 1640 to 1640. The Treaty was signed in Ripon, Yorkshire, after intensive negotiations between representatives of King Charles I of England and Scottish Covenanters. The war stemmed from religious tensions and the imposition of English bishops in Scotland, which was opposed by a significant portion of the Scottish population. The Scottish Covenanters' success in battles such as the Battle of Newburn in August 1640 had put pressure on the English crown, leading to a need for negotiations. The terms of the treaty mandated the withdrawal of Scottish troops from English territory and set a timeline for a new English Parliament to address the grievances raised by the Scottish side. The treaty also included financial compensation for the Scots, further indicating the concessions made by the English crown to achieve peace. Additionally, it established ground for future discussions on religious policies that would shape the governance of both kingdoms.

The significance of the Treaty of Ripon extends beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities. It marked a pivotal moment in the power struggle between the monarchy and parliament in England. The treaty not only paused military aggression but also paved the way for a discussion around the governance of England which would ultimately lead to deeper consequences, including the English Civil War. The resolution of these conflicts was central to the larger narrative of the struggle between absolutism and parliamentary power, setting the stage for subsequent constitutional developments in British politics.