Henry VIII Timeline

By jvcreps
  • 1509

    Henry Accession

    Henry accession to the throne was in 1509, following the death of his father. Being young and seen as a renaissance king, he sought glory through battle rather than increasing wealth through being cautious and avoiding wars.
  • 1513

    Battle Of Spurs

    After his failure to gain glory in 1512 when he sent 10000 troops to fight for Spain. A failed attempt at Aim 4.
  • 1513

    Battle of Flodden

    Catherine of Aragon defended the country in Henry's absence. 1513 she had won the battle. Instead of taking the glory she insisted that Henry took the flory as he was a new King. James IV was killed in the battle.
  • 1515

    King Louis VII of France dies.

    Succeeded by Francis I. Henry saw him as a personal and political rival. Immediately sought alliance with Ferdinand of Aragon. Bad for Henry - No alliance with anyone. No longer marry anyone off.
  • 1516

    Ferdinand of Aragon dies.

    Treaty of Noyon establishing peace between Spain and France.
    Grandson of Ferdinand, Charles V took throne and sought alliance with the French.
    Left England isolated.
  • 1517

    Treaty of Cambrai

    Treaty of Cambrai, also called Paix Des Dames, (French: “Peace of the Ladies”; Aug. 3, 1529), agreement ending one phase of the wars between Francis I of France and the Habsburg Holy Roman emperor Charles V; it temporarily confirmed Spanish (Habsburg) hegemony in Italy.
  • 1518

    Treaty Of London

    Wolsey set up the Treaty to ensure that England was seen as an equal, 24 Countries signed the treaty and agreed that they would not attack each other. They would come to each others aid if attacked. Treaty of London, a strategy to maintain peace not just in the absence of war but also as a spectacular achievement that would fulfil Henry VIII's aim. This strategy failed because only Wolsey was really devoted to peace. No territorial lands had been acquired by the end of the 1520s.
  • 1520

    Field Of The Cloth Of Gold 1520

    Between Henry VIII and Francis I, this  lasted two and a half weeks. It was also a way for them to demonstrate their affluence. It didn't amount to much, and England and France were at conflict within a few years of one other. It was clear that Henry was gaining nothing by siding with the Habsburgs. In 1526, he joined forces with other European powers, including France, Venice, and the Pope, to form the League of Cognac, which was an anti-Habsburg coalition.
  • 1521

    Treaty of Bruges between England and the Emperor, Charles V

    Henry believed he could improve the relations with the Pope. He was anxious to reduce French control over Italy. May gain more territory within France. Marriage alliance between the Emperor and his daughter, Mary. Success because marriage alliance. Failure, encouraged war between France and England.
  • 1522

    England War with France

    It yielded little benefit but was quite expensive. The House of Commons voted against a request for special income to pay expenditures. Failure is expensive, and there is little benefit.
  • 1525

    Charles V and the Battle of Pavia. Peace with France.

    Henry proposed that they conduct an invasion of Northern France in order to seize further territory. Charles arrested and imprisoned Francis I, who was later released. England was a distraction that had a negative impact on Henry. The marriage relationship was shattered. Henry had no choice but to back down.
  • 1526

    England Linked with the Anti-Imperial League of Cognac

    The Council of Trent was convened by the Pope in order to limit the Emperor's authority in Northern Italy. "The King's Great Matter" was developed by Henry VIII, who was at odds with the Emperor. Henry was apprehensive about it.