Invasion of France 1492

• Although a war against France would be costly and might make Henry vulnerable, especially if France supported Yorkist claimants, he still announced his claim to the French throne
• Henry spent a year preparing, crossing the Channel in October 1492
• By the time the force arrived in France, the campaigning season was almost over so any conflict would be short
• Henry was also fortunate that the French King was more interested in invading Italy and so wanted to be rid of English troops
• Charles soon offered Henry peace, and on 3 November signed the Treaty of Etaples
• Treaty of Etaples:

  • give no aid to English rebels - particularly Warbeck
  • pay the arrears of the Treaty of Picquigny
  • pay most of Henry's expenses in Brittany
• Result of war with France was an annual pension for Henry of £5000 per year
• Although Henry had been unable to prevent the loss of Breton independence, there had been some success