The king of conflict: Henry VIII’s wars

1511

English auxiliaries help the Dutch against the neighbouring Duke of Guelders

1512–14

In Henry’s first war with France, a failed attack on Gascony is followed by a campaign that results in the capture of Thérouanne and Tournai

1513

James IV of Scots, invading England in support of his French allies, is killed at Flodden (as shown in an 1882 painting)

1520

A small army sent to expand English control in Ireland achieves little

1522–25

A second war with France sees more naval raids and land campaigns, including one in 1523 that crosses the Somme to threaten Paris

1527–29

An ineffectual war against the Low Countries fails to make its Habsburg rulers accept Henry’s divorce

1532–34

An inconclusive war of border raids is fought against the Scots

1534

The largest English army sent to Ireland since the 1390s suppresses the Kildare rebellion, leading to 70 years of campaigning against the Gaelic lordships

1539– 40

Invasion threats from Catholic Europe prompt a campaign of coastal fortification and large musters

1542– 47

When the Scots renege on a treaty to marry Mary, Queen of Scots to Henry’s son, Edward, the king tries to force their compliance by brutal warfare

1543– 46

In Henry’s last war with France, he captures Boulogne in 1544 and hangs onto it at vast cost