Relations with France and Scotland

Who was the King of France?

Charles VI, who famously suffered from mental illness. This left power in the hands of the Duke of Orleans and Burgundy.

How did Oreleans react when Henry usurped Richard II?

Originally, he had lent tacit support to Bolingbroke, with the purpose of disrupting England but was horrified when Henry became king

Why happened when Richard’s widow returned to France?

She should have returned with all of her valuable dowry but given the hostile relations she returned without any of the wealth she had taken to England.

What did Orleans challenge Henry to? How did Henry respond?

He challenged Henry to armed combat but was turned down twice on the grounds that he was not a worthy opponent.

What is the Duchy of Aquitaine?

A regional that lies in modern-day France, mainly in the area of Gascony.

Why was there conflict over the Duchy of Aquitaine?

In previous centuries, the people had been loyal to Angevin royal family.

There were back and forth disputes between French and English kings about the ownership of the territory resulting in conflict, including the 100 years war.

What was the relationship of the English Kings with Aquitaine?

Richard II was very popular in Aquitaine while Henry IV was not

What did Charles do with Aquitaine in 1401? What did this trigger?

He granted Aquitaine to his heir, the Dauphin Louis, which was a deliberate insult to the English.

This triggered a serious outbreak of piracy on both sides of the channel, as well as a period of conflict.

How did the conflict caused by Aquitaine impact England?

Defence of the region was expensive and widespread piracy had a negative impact on trade.

What did the Hanseatic league do in 1405 that worsened the situation?

The put trading restrictions on the English doing business in the Baltic on the grounds of English involvement in piracy.

What did the French do in 1403? How did Henry show wisdom?

They invaded Aquitaine forcing the English army to retreat.

Henry dealt with the nobility of the area by successfully making peace with them so that Gascony remained loyal to the English crown. BUT it still remained hostile with two French Naval attacks on the English coast.

What did Parliament criticise?

The inadequate defences which were limited due to royal finance. There were criticisms of the King’s extravagant spending.

Who formed an alliance with the French?

The Scots causing a greater threat from the Northern border.

What did Henry want to do with the Scots?

Henry IV wanted to have a more peaceful relationship with Scotland.

How did the King of the Scots feel about Henry IV?

Robert III refused to recognise the legality of Henry’s usurpation and made several raids on the northern counties.

What happened on November 10th 1399?

Henry informed parliament that he would wage war against Scotland and in early 1400 he wrote to Robert demanding that they paid an act of homage to him as their ‘good lord’.

How did the Scots respond to Henry’s demands?

They did not comply and in August 1400 Henry invaded with an army of more than 15,000.

Where did Henry go and what did he do once the Scottish army was formed?

Henry reached Leith with little resistance and some diplomatic exchanges were made but no decisions were reached. Henry did not want to leave the throne exposed for too long.