Henry VII foreign policy all
information (by years)
1487
France had designs on Brittany
They imposed restrictions as a result of English support for Breton (Brittany) independence
Irish help Simnel. Dealt with leniency though- only have to swear an oath of loyalty.
Margaret of Burgundy acknowledged Lambert Simnel as her nephew and raised 2000
mercenaries before Simnel set sail for Ireland
1485
Navigation act said that wine had to be transported in English ships to France
Initially good relations- regent is an Anglophile
1486
Trade treaty removing trade restrictions
A three year truce was signed and the possibility of a marriage alliance would be explored
Margaret of Burgundy shelters Lovell.
1489
Treaty of Redon with Brittany, Feb 1489. Henry agreed to send troops
to defend Brittany against France
Treaty of Dordrecht- Maximilian and Henry agree to send
troops to Brittany with England. However, they bailed and
left Henry all alone
Treaty of Medina del Campo March 1489. Henry agreed to go to war
against France in order to recover lost territories, Henry's son Arthur to
marry Catherine of Aragon. Equal trading rights from both countries and
fixed custom rates.
1491
France continue to absorb Brittany. Henry calls parliament for subsidy (more
tax) for a 12,000 men army. Subsidy granted but causes Yorkshire rebellion.
Anne of Brittany marries Charles VIII of France Dec 1491 and France harbours Perkin Warbeck
Siege of Boulogne- French concerned with Italy. Siege is late in battle season
Warbeck initially in Dublin- small army sent to
remove him. Warbeck then goes to France
1492
Henry tries to invade France (Warbeck) in September, but remains in Calais for a
month
Peace at Treaty of Etaples Nov 1492. Henry receives £5,000 pension annually
and eliminates possibility of more pretenders in France. All English troops called back
1493
Warbeck goes to Margaret of Burgundy and is tutored in the ways of the Yorkist court
Philip takes control of Burgundy and supports Warbeck's claim.
Trade embargo 1493-1496 as a result of Philip (and Maximilian)'s support for Warbeck. English merchants
forced to use Calais instead of Antwerp
9 year truce signed
1494
Navigation act imposed by Spain had a damaging effect on
English trade with Spain
Sir Edward Poynings sent to Ireland as Lord Deputy- created 'Poynings Law', restored order, prevented
Warbeck's return, and arrested the Earl of Kildare
1495
James IV comes of age
Warbeck arrives in Scotland and is giving a royal welcome- marries Lady Catherine
Gordon and given shelter for two years
1496
Kildare reinstated as Lord Deputy- attainder reversed
Attempted invasion of England but failed. Henry had to gather his largest army, though.
The Great Settlement/Intercursus Magnus- Embargo ended, but Burgundy couldn't hold
any more English rebels
Henry convinced to join the Holy League by Ferdinand, but he is
careful to maintain relations with France
1497
Trading privileges of England's merchants returned.
Warbeck left in July 1497 and the Treaty of Ayton was signed in September- only temporary, but did
promise not to invade each other.
1498
Henry found himself in favour with all of the foreign nations
1499
In July, royal marriage plans were finalised
1501
Catherine of Aragon marries Prince Arthur
1502
Treaty of Perpetual Peace signed. Did not last long
Prince Arthur dies
1503
King James IV marries Margaret (Henry's daughter) in August
Henry and Catherine granted papal dispensation to be married
1504
Isabella of Castille dies and Henry chooses to back Philip in the
Ferdinand/Philip conflict for Spain
Treaty of Windsor/Intercursus Malus- Imposes unfair
taxes on Burgundy while England paid low taxes.
Henry also got to keep the Duke of Suffolk in England
as he had a stronger claim to the throne than him
and had been hiding in Burgundy as a result of this.
Henry backs Philip in the Spanish succession
and tried tries to retract the betrothal,
saying that it is invalid.
1506
Treaty of Cambrai signed- Henry left out
Philip dies and Ferdinand is left in control of
Spain (not impressed). All treaties with
Burgundy (including Malus) now null and void.