FP - 1509 to 1514

• Henry's early foreign policy demonstrated his enthusiasm to win military glory and make England a major player in international affairs.
• He was personally ambitious and believed he had a right to the French crown.
• 1510

  Renewal of Treaty of Etaples (originally signed in 1492 with France).
• 1511

  Henry entered the Holy League, an alliance with Spain, the HRE and the papacy. This alliance was AGAINST France.
• 1512

  Henry sent 10,000 soldiers to SW France under the control of the Marquis of Dorset. Ferdinand of Spain did not support this, so England suffered defeat in Gascony.
• May 1513

  Henry led a force (approx. 25,000) to northern France, initially under the command of the Earl of Shrewsbury.
• August 1513

  The Battle of the Spurs: A success for Henry.
• August/September 1513

  The capture of Tournai and Therouanne: 2 towns in France that Henry captured. They cost lots to renovate and were eventually sold back to France at a loss...
• August 1513 (Scotland)


  King James IV Scotland invades England with an army of 30,000.
• 9 September 1513

  Battle of Flodden. Catherine of Aragon and the Earl of Surrey defeated James IV of Scotland, leaving Scotland under the control of James V (an infant), with Henry's sister Queen Margaret, as regent.
• Results of this FP:

  • huge drain on economy,
  • resentment of taxation nearly led to rebellion,
  • loss of the French Pension,
  • Insufficient gains in France; Tournai sold back to France in 1519,
  • Peace with Scotland (lasted until 1542)