War with the French – Tudor style

It is just 500 years since Henry Vlll went to war with France…

Actually, to be more accurate I should say … since Henry personally went to war with France, in 1513. He had sided with his wife’s father Ferdinand (of Spain) against France, back in 1511, having signed a contradictory treaty with France only a year earlier against Venice. There had been some unsuccessful skirmishes in 1511 and 1512 leading to nothing very much.

The Pope – Julius ll – was looking for help in his war with France and offered Henry the French Crown as “Most Christian King of France” if Louis Xll could be defeated. Henry had only recently been crowned king of England in 1509 and was a young virile prince looking to expand his influence and standing. He probably thought a nice little war would do his reputation good, much as some modern politicians have thought (but do not get me started on that tack – not again!)

So, he decided in May of 1513 that he would lead an English army in northern France and see if he couldn’t take a bit of French territory to add to the little bit he still ‘owned’ around Calais… Rather than tell this little tale twice, let me take you to my Captain Cobbler website where you can read the story for yourself. It is an extract from my novel, called “Captain Cobbler”, as it happens, which is to be published later this year (target date October 1st 2013)

Here is the URL for Captain Cobbler  http://www.captaincobbler.com – I hope you enjoy the story…

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