3-England's relations with Scotland and other foreign powers, 1485-1509

Burgundy, Netherlands, and Holy Roman Empire (HRE)

Achieving Dynastic Security

  • Yorkist Threats:

    • Duchess Margaret of Burgundy: Leader of Yorkist cause; supported by stepson Maximilian (HRE leader).

    • Netherlands became a Yorkist supporter due to Maximilian's son.

    • Margaret housed Perkin Warbeck, prompting strained relations.

  • Trade Embargo:

    • Henry imposed a trade embargo on Burgundy, prioritizing dynastic security over the economy.

    • Result: Decreased Henry's popularity in England.

  • Improvement of Relations:

    • 1496 - Intercursus Magnus: Ended trade embargo after Warbeck threat subsided.

    • Intercursus Malus:

      • Henry demanded stronger trade positions for English merchants (not enforced).

      • Philip and Maximilian surrendered the Earl of Suffolk to Henry.

Trade Affairs

  • Bulk of England’s exports went through Netherlands ports under Burgundy.

  • Trade Embargo (response to Yorkist support) disrupted trade temporarily.

  • Long-term Successes:

    • Increased merchant power.

    • Financial gains after trade resumed.

    • Prevented Yorkist threats.

Spain

Treaty of Medina del Campo (1489):

  • Mutual protection in case of attack.

  • Agreed not to harbor rebels or pretenders.

  • Arranged marriage alliance: Arthur (Henry's son) and Catherine of Aragon.

Problems with Treaty:

  • Arthur's death:

    • Ferdinand reluctant to proceed with marriage between Catherine and Henry.

    • Disputes over Catherine's dowry.

  • Ferdinand less significant after Isabella's death (struggle for succession between Ferdinand and Juana).

Treaty of Windsor (1506):

  • Juana and Philip of Burgundy sought refuge in England due to a storm.

  • Henry took advantage:

    • Earl of Suffolk handed over.

    • Proposed marriage between Henry VII and Philip's sister Margaret (never happened).

    • Henry recognized Juana and Philip as rulers of Castile.

  • Aftermath:

    • Philip died; Juana went mad.

    • Ferdinand became regent of Castile and excluded England from influence.

Scotland

Timeline:

  • 1485–95: Cordial but tense relations.

  • 1495–96:

    • King James IV offered hospitality to Perkin Warbeck.

    • Warbeck married James’ cousin, Lady Catherine Gordon.

    • Warbeck led an invasion of England (1496) with Scottish support.

    • Henry raised taxes to fund an invasion of Scotland, prompting the Cornish Rebellion (1497).

Improved Relations:

  • 1497: Truce of Ayton after Cornish rebellion.

  • 1499: Execution of Warbeck removed threat.

  • 1502–1503:

    • Treaty of Perpetual Peace: Marriage of James IV and Henry's daughter Margaret (1503).

Successes:

  • Eliminated Warbeck threat.

  • Strengthened peace through marriage.

Failures:

  • Risked invasion and internal rebellion.

Ireland

Situation:

  • English power limited to the Pale (area around Dublin).

  • Most power held by Anglo-Norman barons (e.g., Fitzgeralds and Butlers).

  • Earl of Kildare (Fitzgerald leader):

    • Sympathized with Yorkists.

    • Crowned Lambert Simnel King of Ireland (1486).

    • Supported Perkin Warbeck.

Henry’s Actions:

  • Reinstated English authority:

    • Appointed infant son Henry as Lieutenant of Ireland.

    • Sir Edward Poynings appointed as deputy.

    • Passed Poynings' Law: Prevented Irish Parliament from passing laws without English approval.

Successes:

  • Asserted control and authority.

  • Discouraged further rebellion.

Failures:

  • Expensive and resource-intensive.

France

Timeline:

  • 1487: France invaded Brittany, threatening English security.

  • 1489: Treaty of Redon:

    • Henry sent a small army to defend Brittany.

    • Funded by Duchess Anne of Brittany.

    • Henry allied with Maximilian (HRE).

  • Betrayal:

    • Anne surrendered to France and married Charles VIII.

    • English army stranded.

Warbeck and French Support:

  • Warbeck sought French backing for his claim to the English throne.

Treaty of Etaples (1492):

  • Henry invaded France.

  • Charles VIII sought peace:

    • Agreed to withdraw support for Warbeck.

    • Paid Henry a £5,000 annual pension.

Successes:

  • Defended national and dynastic interests.

  • Secured financial compensation and peace.

Securing the Succession and Marriage Alliances

Key Events:

  • 1486: Birth of Prince Arthur.

  • 1491: Birth of second son, Henry.

  • 1502: Arthur's death weakened succession security.

  • Henry sought to:

    • Secure Catherine of Aragon's marriage to Prince Henry.

    • Marry daughter Margaret to James IV of Scotland (1503).

Henry’s Marital Plans:

  • Sought to remarry after Elizabeth’s death.

  • Considered alliances with Castile, Aragon, and France.

  • Ultimately, no remarriage occurred.