What Happened?
In June of 1520, Henry VIII met with Francis I of France, in Calais, in order to form a stronger bond between England and France after their signing of the Anglo-French Treaty of 1514. However, each King attempted to outdo the other with displays of grand tents, clothing, feasts, as well as music, jousting and games. The majority of tents and clothes were made of an expensive material known as ‘Cloth of Gold’ (a fabric which is woven with silk and gold thread) and this is how the field gained its name.
Why was it significant?
The reason that there is a level of significance about this meeting is because of the propaganda like attempts to make this event extravagant. The event has a lack of significance in terms of diplomacy as not much was achieved. It was mainly a display of wealth and charisma of both the French and English kings. Although, it could also be argued that it was greatly significant due to the fact that Henry had previously been to war with France less than a decade before hand. It showed a willingness of kings to somewhat get along, despite the fact they were trying to out do each other. It was perhaps a demonstration of Henry being a renaissance king.
Lewis Angell
In June of 1520, Henry VIII met with Francis I of France, in Calais, in order to form a stronger bond between England and France after their signing of the Anglo-French Treaty of 1514. However, each King attempted to outdo the other with displays of grand tents, clothing, feasts, as well as music, jousting and games. The majority of tents and clothes were made of an expensive material known as ‘Cloth of Gold’ (a fabric which is woven with silk and gold thread) and this is how the field gained its name.
Why was it significant?
The reason that there is a level of significance about this meeting is because of the propaganda like attempts to make this event extravagant. The event has a lack of significance in terms of diplomacy as not much was achieved. It was mainly a display of wealth and charisma of both the French and English kings. Although, it could also be argued that it was greatly significant due to the fact that Henry had previously been to war with France less than a decade before hand. It showed a willingness of kings to somewhat get along, despite the fact they were trying to out do each other. It was perhaps a demonstration of Henry being a renaissance king.
Lewis Angell