What happened?
In an attempt to gain Spanish alliance through war with France, Henry VIII saw immensely embarrassing naval defeat in April 1513 at Brest. However, he decided to continue his campaign against the nation, entering into alliance with the Emperor Maximilian I, alongside the Swiss. Realising that he had to be independent from his allies, Henry personally led his army of 30,000 men, crossing in July 1513 to Calais. On August 16th of the same year, the army, comprised of 2000 Imperial horsemen and the rest Henry’s soldiers, faced 8,000 French horsemen and defeated the Duc de Longueville, signalling their victory. This led to their capture of Therouanne and Tournai, which was garrisoned until 1518. Therouanne was given to Emperor Maximilian.
The battle was later named as it is in reference to the fact that the opposing French army retreated very quickly, spurring on their horses. This was essentially the only real battle of this particular campaign and propagandists in England built it into a huge victory.
Why was it significant during this period of Henry’s reign?
The primary reason why it was significant during Henry’s reign is that this battle was one of the first big successes within his campaign against France – not only did it help secure alliances, it additionally gained him popularity back home in England. The following propaganda after the battle was won ensured an increasingly positive reputation for Henry as a King; he was the peoples’ warrior. In terms of alliance, giving Therouanne to Maximilian was a sensible move. This allowed Maximillian to see the goodwill of the King, as the city was a threat to the Emperor’s territory in Burgundy.
Theresa Dunthorne
In an attempt to gain Spanish alliance through war with France, Henry VIII saw immensely embarrassing naval defeat in April 1513 at Brest. However, he decided to continue his campaign against the nation, entering into alliance with the Emperor Maximilian I, alongside the Swiss. Realising that he had to be independent from his allies, Henry personally led his army of 30,000 men, crossing in July 1513 to Calais. On August 16th of the same year, the army, comprised of 2000 Imperial horsemen and the rest Henry’s soldiers, faced 8,000 French horsemen and defeated the Duc de Longueville, signalling their victory. This led to their capture of Therouanne and Tournai, which was garrisoned until 1518. Therouanne was given to Emperor Maximilian.
The battle was later named as it is in reference to the fact that the opposing French army retreated very quickly, spurring on their horses. This was essentially the only real battle of this particular campaign and propagandists in England built it into a huge victory.
Why was it significant during this period of Henry’s reign?
The primary reason why it was significant during Henry’s reign is that this battle was one of the first big successes within his campaign against France – not only did it help secure alliances, it additionally gained him popularity back home in England. The following propaganda after the battle was won ensured an increasingly positive reputation for Henry as a King; he was the peoples’ warrior. In terms of alliance, giving Therouanne to Maximilian was a sensible move. This allowed Maximillian to see the goodwill of the King, as the city was a threat to the Emperor’s territory in Burgundy.
Theresa Dunthorne