Henry wished to be like the warrior kings of old, exerting his power over France in a blaze of glory
an heir, a son if possible
to marry a princess
not English -- would raise another noble family too high, giving them dynastic claim to the throne
to "cut a dash"
wants to be seen as a glorious and wonderful king
1 of 8
Dynastic Policy - Achievements
married Katherine of Aragon -- 1509
beautiful
daughter of King and Queen of Spain - useful ally
Arthur's wife
in many respects, an ideal bride
birth of Prince Henry -- 1511
male heir
DIED WITHIN THE MONTH
How successful?
-- not very: although he married successfully, gaining a bride, he did not fufil his most important requirement, which was getting a son.
2 of 8
The Nobility - Aims
HENRY NEEDS
to establish new and better relationships with the nobility
better relations than Henry VII had had
needed their support for war
to keep a good reputation with the Council
mainly made up of skilled conservative gentry
Henry wanted war; Council not in favour
to participate in court events
desired to be a participator, unlike his father
3 of 8
The Nobility - Achievements
executes Empson and Dudley -- 1510
show that he's new and different
to get rid of hated figures
cancelled bonds and recognisances
abolished Council Learned in the Law
unfair and controversial law court of Henry VII
Great Council summoned
oyer et terminer sent out
investigated recent offences to ensure a fair decision had been taken
calls Parliament -- 1510
participates with the nobles (cont'd)
4 of 8
The Nobility - Achievements (ii)
How successful?
-- very successful. Quickly liked by most nobles.
-- when he finally fights in Calais, every able and fit nobleman supports him with troops
-- however, he was not successful in persuading the Council to go to war until 1511
(NB: The Council and The Council Learned in the Law were not the same!!!)
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Foreign Policy - Aims
HENRY NEEDS:
war with France
traditionally, English kings were titled "King of England, King of France and Lord of Ireland".
Henry wanted to assert his claim to France
to keep England safe from Scotland
the "Auld Alliance" between France and Scotland traditionally stated that when England was fighting France, the Scots would attack in the North
Henry needed to ensure that whilst he was fighting France, the North of England was well defended
6 of 8
Foreign Policy - Achievements
Holy League against France -- 1511
gives Henry the excuse he needs to attack
marriage to Katherine -- ally in Spain
Campaign in Spain -- 1512
army go to Spain with plans to invade South West France
drinking and defecating; little attacking
utter failure of campaign
Attack of Northern France -- 1513
landed in Calais with 25,000 men and 23 nobles
Therouanne captured
Battle of the Spurs
rout
6 standards, 1 duke, 1 marquis and the vice-admiral captured
ransomed back to France
Tournay captured
expensive; the towns were described as "ungracious dogholes"
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Foreign Policy - Achievements (ii)
The Battle of Flodden Field -- 9th Sept 1513
Auld Alliance - Scotland attacked with Henry away in France
James IV invades North of England
great victory at Flodden Field
James IV killed
12 earls and 10,000 Scots killed
BUT not Henry's victory; Katherine and Earl of Surrey ruling
Anglo-French Treaty -- 1514
two powers at peace
Henry to keep Therouanne and Tournay
Henry to receive a pension from France
Louis XII to marry Henry's sister, Mary
How successful?
-- not very; cost to crown was £922,000 1511-14, wasting the reserves of Henry VII, gained very little.
-- only great successes: Spurs (which was a rout, not a glorious battle) and Flodden Field (which was not Henry's victory)
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