was the field of cloth of gold a success

On 7 June 1520, Henry VIII met Francis I of France in a valley near Calais for a grand festival – 18 days of tournaments, feasts, masquerades and religious services. In most cases, the core yarn is silk wrapped (filé) with a band or strip of high content gold.In rarer instances, fine linen and wool have been used as the core. The earl of Essex, being earl marshal, shall have, beside the number above stated, 130 servants and 100 light horses. The meeting was designed to show how magnificent each court was, and how this could be a basis for mutual respect and peace between nations that were traditional enemies. All knights and others of the King's council. The officers of the household. Moreover, the signing of the pact was just the start; a grand display of peace between Henry and Francis was needed to confirm their alliance and show themselves as Renaissance royals who had chosen peace over war. Sum total of the Queen's company, 1,175 people and 778 horses. The meeting place was at the very edge of the English territory around Calais. Cloth of gold or gold cloth ( Latin: Tela aurea) is a fabric woven with a gold -wrapped or spun weft —referred to as "a spirally spun gold strip". [10], Some idea of the size of Henry's following may be gathered from the fact that in one month 2200 sheep and other viands in a similar proportion were consumed. Renaissance thinking held that a strong prince could choose peace from a place of strength. The hospitality staged by Henry VIII and Francis I at the Field of Cloth of Gold was on a truly monumental scale. Stafford:—Sir John Feryes, Sir Loys (Lewis) Bagot, Mattingly, Garrett. Fetyplace. They were motivated by the same drive for military success, but also a desire to house a suitably grand royal court and be seen gifting expensive presents. Henry believed he had a right to claim the French throne and if necessary, take it by force. They both enjoyed dancing and music alongside gaming and jousting. [5] The palace was in four blocks with a central courtyard; each side was 328 feet (100 m) long. After what must have been hectic preparations that spring this famous meeting took place between June 7 and 24 1520. Participants in the Field of Cloth of Gold (act. The King's Council. The Field of Cloth of Gold was a spectacular meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. The names of those who will be with the French king when he meets the king of England: the king of Navarre; dukes of Alençon, Bourbon, Vendosme and Lorraine; count of Saint Pol; prince de la Roche Suryon; count of Dreux and Rhetel, Sieur Dorval and governor of Champaigne; count of Benon, sieur de la Tremoille, first Chamberlain, admiral of Guyenne and governor of Burgundy; count of Estampes and Caravats, sieur de Boysy, grand master and governor of the Dauphin [died 1519]; Bonnyvet, admiral of France, Lautrec, La Palisse and Chastillon, marshals; count of Guyse, brother of the duke of Lorraine; the bastard of Savoy, count of Villars and Beaufort, governor of Provence; count de Laval; mons. Both Henry and Francis wished to be seen as Renaissance princes. Before the castle of Guînes, a temporary palace covering an area of nearly 12,000 square yards (10,000 m2) was erected for the reception of the English king. "The King, the Cardinal-Legate and the Field of Cloth of Gold. At their first meeting, Henry and Francis rode towards each other with their hats raised, dismounted and then embraced as brothers. On 24th June, after many lavish days and nights of celebration, the summit had reached its conclusion and Cardinal Wolsey assembled a great crowd in order to say Mass. Moreover, the two young and boisterous royals were naturally drawn to competition once more and in a raucous atmosphere Henry VIII chose to challenge young Francis I to a wrestling match. The alliance looked set to crumble and once again peace in Europe looked to be a distant and unattainable dream. The meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I, known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold, took place between 7 to 24 June 1520 in a valley subsequently called the Val d'Or, near Guisnes to the south of Calais.The event derived its name from the sumptuousness of the materials used for the tents, pavilions and other furnishings. This caused some tensions between the English and French, as the latter preferred a location closer to the border, but topographical considerations proved the decisive factor.[2]. It was a tournament jointly hosted by King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France to celebrate an Anglo-French alliance and a ‘Universal Peace’ agreed in Europe in 1518. Losing the match, Henry then challenged Francis to an archery competition. "For the Queen: 1 duchess, with 4 women, 6 servants and 12 horses; 10 countesses, with 3 women and 4 servants, and 8 horses each; 12 baronesses, with 2 women, 3 servants and 6 horses each. 1520), were the men and women who attended one of the most spectacular set-piece diplomatic events of the early sixteenth century, the meeting between Henry VIII, king of England, and François I, king of France, near Ballingham, between the English-held town of Guînes, a few miles south of Calais, and the French town of Ardres in Picardy. The following peace treaty, co-signed by the Emperor Maximilian I, was a setback for Henry VIII who viewed the new French king as an obstacle to his ambition. The building was decorated in the most sumptuous fashion and furnished with a profusion of golden ornaments. The summit was arranged to increase the bond of friendship between the two kings following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. [9] Musical production on the English side was probably led by composer William Cornysh the Younger, master of the Royal Chapel for Henry VIII. Field of the Cloth of Gold. The marquis Dorset. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The meeting lasted from the 7th June to 24th June 1520 and was one of the most impressive, lavish meetings to ever be held between the two Kings. de Nevers; mons d'Esparrox, lieutenant of Guyenne, and count of Montfort; Mess. 1 marquis with 56 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 8 gentlemen; 26 horses. Henry VIII and Francis I meet on 7 June 1520, detail from the Hampton Curt painting of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, Royal Collections Trust, public domain image. ", This page was last edited on 26 March 2021, at 12:56. In rarer instances, fine linen and wool have been used as the core. First, its international and prestigious size, bringing together so many people, including the aristocracy and the elites of the two kingdoms, forged from the start its exceptional dimension. Made from timber and covered in a canvas material painted to emulate real stone, one could easily be fooled from a distance into thinking it was in fact a palace. Parpoynt (Pierpoint), Sir Thos. In 1520, in an effort to bring conflict to an end, England’s monarch, Henry VIII, and Francis I of France agreed to meet, surrounded by virtually their entire political nations, at “the Field of Cloth of Gold.” 30 knights, with 12 servants, 1 to be a chaplain; horses 240; 6 chaplains with 3 servants and 2 horses each. Wolsey said Mass and the two sovereigns separated on Sunday, 24 June, the feast-day of St John the Baptist. October 7, 2015 June 13, 2017. "An Early Nonaggression Pact,", Richardson, Glenn. His sleeves were studded with diamonds,rubies, emeralds and pearls and on his head was a velvet bonnet adorned with plumes and precious stones. The latter source lists the following: "For the King: The cardinal of York, with 300 servants, of whom 12 shall be chaplains and 50 gentlemen, with 50 horses; one archbishop with 70 servants, of whom 5 shall be chaplains and 10 gentlemen, with 30 horses; 2 dukes, each with 70 servants, 5 to be chaplains and 10 gentlemen, with 30 horses. These noblemen will only have with them about 200 horses. On that Sunday in June 1520, it seemed that the Field of Cloth of Gold was a success. The Field of the Cloth of Gold was the greatest, most magnificent and most costly diplomatic occasion of its kind; as an event it was a spectacular success, as an exercise in diplomacy it was a complete failure. Included among the English guests were Thomas More, and Anne Boleyn's mother and sister. 4 knights of the order of St. George, each to have 22 servants, 2 to be chaplains and 2 gentlemen; 48 horses. The Field of the Cloth of Gold was a royal summit meeting at a site in Balinghem – equidistant between Ardres in France and Guînes in the English Pale of Calais – . When they saw it, the French named it ‘Crystal Palace’. Plans were drawn up for the construction of areas for tournaments, banqueting and a huge number of tents in which to house both the royal courts. The clerks of the Privy Seal and Signet. While other historians have claimed that the Field of the Cloth of Gold served no major function in terms of diplomacy, she vehemently disagrees, citing evidence for the continued relations between Henry and Francis, as well as Henry’s success in preventing some aggression on Charles’ side. 4 barons, with 22 servants, 2 to be chaplains and 2 gentlemen; horses 48. The King's chamber was a palace made out of wood and canvas. Young, competitive and ambitious, they were obvious rivals, so much so that in 1513 Henry VIII had invaded France and fought against Francis and his army. Rich furnishings were used for the state apartments. But Henry was also a complex man: intelligent, boisterous, flamboyant, extravagant. Two entities had started to emerge as powers in Western Europe at this time: France, under Francis I, and the Habsburg Empire, under Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. 20 knights' ladies, with 1 woman, 2 servants and 4 horses each; 14 ladies, with 1 woman, 2 servants and 3 horses each; 6 ladies of the chamber, with 1 servant and 2 horses each; 1 earl, with 42 servants, 3 to be chaplains and 9 gentlemen; horses 20. A record of the list of participants survives in at least two places: in the Rutland Papers[12] and in the holsters indented specifying, in accordance with the treaty of 12 March 1519, the number and rank of the lords, ladies and gentlemen to attend the King and Queen at the interview with Francis I], Institute of Historical Research, 1867 catalogued as Letters indented specifying, in accordance with the treaty of 12 March 1519, the number and rank of the lords, ladies and gentlemen to attend the King and Queen at the interview with Francis I. Wingfield. It’s about the gifting of grandiose presents for diminutive effect, about small decisions that grow weighty as their true import becomes clear. It was a very conspicuous piece of royal Renaissance ‘self-fashioning’, of ostentatious material display and political theatre, designed to present the power of monarchy in a dynamic and compelling way. King Henry VIII, never one for modesty, spent £36,000 on the festivities – more than his royal household’s entire annual expenditure, and more than 1/3 of … To avoid any desire to compete, they chose to be on the same side although, even then, Francis I was said to have been injured in some of the more high-spirited activities. Commissioners to give orders to the gentlemen:—Sir Edw. Both, Sir John Warren, Sir Geo. T he Field of Cloth of Gold was the name given by contemporaries to a diplomatic visit by Henry VIII of England to Francois I of France in June 1520. Barons:—Maltravers, Montagu, Herbert, the grand prior of St. John of England, Roos, Fitzwalter, Hastings, Delaware, Dacre, Ferrers, Cobham, Daubeney, Lumley, Sir Henry Marney, Sir Wm. The slanting roof was made of oiled cloth painted to give the colour of lead and the illusion of slates. [5], Journeying from Calais, Henry reached his headquarters at Guînes on Monday, 4 June 1520, and Francis took up his residence at Ardres. The other knights of the Order. Field of Cloth of Gold, in European history, the meeting place, between Guînes and Ardres near Calais in France, where Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France and their entourages gathered between June 7 and 24, 1520. Designed with all the opulence and regal style one would expect from a permanent structure, it even included stained glass. The superstitious would have viewed this as a great portent, but it was probably a firework accidentally or deliberately set off. The only solid part was the brick base about 8 feet (2 m) high. Courtiers were dressed in "velvet, satin and cloth of gold". field Field of the Cloth of Gold the scene of a meeting between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France near Calais in 1520, for which both monarchs erected elaborate temporary palaces, including a sumptuous display of golden cloth. Competition, reputation and ambition were still the names of the game, as the Field of the Cloth of Gold in the following year would show. Due to the splendour of the temporary golden pavilion that was built, the event came to be known as ‘The Field of Cloth of Gold’. The servants of the king of England shall march next their King, preceded by the nobles and gentlemen of the Legate, who shall follow the gentlemen of the other lords. Serious diplomatic incidents had been avoided, weather aside the event had run smoothly, and both kings had ably demonstrated their power and magnificence. Field of Cloth of Gold, in European history, the meeting place, between Guînes and Ardres near Calais in France, where Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France and their entourages gathered between June 7 and 24, 1520. Sum total of the King's company, 3,997 people and 2,087 horses". Scheduled for 1520, the decision was made to set the meeting on the edge of English territory by Calais, in a valley which was landscaped in order to provide the ideal location for the celebrations. It was the site of a meeting that took place from 7 June to 24 June 1520, between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. Unknown artist 1520. Findern, Sir Rob. Unfortunately for Henry VIII, his grand plans were a little over ambitious and in 1515, Francis I became King of France and very quickly asserted his military prowess at the Battle of Marignano. The valley where the first meeting took place was landscaped to provide areas of equal elevation for the two national parties. Councillors of the long robe; viz., the King's secretary, the vice-chancellor, the dean of the Chapel, and the almoner, each to have 12 servants, one a chaplain, and 8 horses. Bishops:—Durham, Armagh, Ely, Chichester,[13] Rochester, Exeter, Hereford. Francis will bring with him the above company if the king of England thinks it suitable; but if not, he will diminish it. The following days were taken up with tournaments, in which both kings took part. 20 barons, each to have 22 servants, 2 to be chaplains and 2 gentlemen; 12 horses. 3 bishops, to have 44 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 6 gentlemen; horses 60. Emma Cundell Anglo-French treaty, Balinghem in France, Francis I, Henry VIII, King of France, The Field of the Cloth of Gold, tudor. Henry VIII on horseback approaches at bottom left. The archdeacon of Richmond. It was fun—but the goodwill was short-lived. It looked like peace in Europe would prevail. 70 knights, including Sir William Mathew, grandson of Sir David Ap Mathew of Wales. The Field of Cloth of Gold Five centuries ago, on June 24th 1520, the Field of Cloth of Gold meeting between King Henry VIII and King Francis I came to an end. Henry and Francis were also similar figures of similar age and dashing reputations, so there was almost certainly a mutual curiosity. [5] While the carefully established rules of the tournament stated that the two kings would not compete against each other, Henry surprisingly challenged Francis in a wrestling match, but it turned sour for Henry when he quickly lost.[11]. 70 grooms of the chamber, with 150 servants and 100 horses among them; 266 officers of the house, with 216 servants and 70 horses; 205 grooms of the stable and of the armories, with 211 horses. The secretaries in Latin, French and English. Francois was wearing a mantle of cloth of gold, covered with jewels. Named after the gold-embellished fabric used to craft the tents, costumes and decorations, the Field of Cloth of Gold cost the modern equivalent of some £15 … Each side of the building was 100m long. The Field of Cloth of Gold was one of the most famous diplomatic meetings of the Renaissance. Henry also held meetings with Charles V a month before the Field of Cloth of Gold in the Netherlands and again afterwards at Calais, Henry's only possession on the Continent. Journeying from Calais Henry reached his headquarters at Guines the 4 Jun 1520. Coton, Sir Rauf Chamberlain, Sir Giles Alyngton. The land was dubbed the Field of Cloth of Gold because of the cloth the English had commissioned for the main tent. Then came the Swiss Guard, the gentleman, and just in front of Francois himself, the Grand Constable of France, the Duc de Bourbon. de Chasteaubriant; count of Harcourt; princes of Orange and Tallemont; mons. One further aspect of King Henry's retinue was the presence of two royal monkeys covered in gold leaf; these were known to have been gifts from the Ottoman Sultan Selim I and brought much laughter and merriment from Francis I as contemporary Cardinal Wolsey recounts, "The French King was overcome with much curiosity playing with those little knaves that did all they could to steal and pester his advisers, yet he willed them to be present at every banquet". The meeting largely occurred at the behest of Anne Boleyn, with the aim of currying Francis’ support for … International diplomacy had been at the forefront of many decisions made in the years leading up to the ‘Field of the Cloth of Gold’ event. Clyfton, Humphrey Hersy, Rowland Dygby. Each king tried to outshine the other, with dazzling tents and clothes, grand feasts, music, jousting, and games. Such a grand spectacle had a very important message to convey; the special bond between the two nations which had previously been antagonistic and competitive. What of his fourth wife, his ‘belov’d sister’ Anne of Cleeves?…. Belknapp, Sir Nich. The many other entertainments included archery displays and wrestling between Breton and Cornish wrestlers. There were even fountains placed at the entrance, providing beverages for the king’s guests. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The event derived its name from the sumptuousness of the materials used for the tents, pavilions and other furnishings. Copyright © Historic UK Ltd. Company Registered in England No. The other pensioners will remain in their houses. Holford, Sir John Lye of Bagley, Sir Wm. In the fields beyond the castle, 2800 tents were erected for less distinguished visitors. The Privy Seal. The Field of Cloth of Gold was a spectacular event held from 7 to 24 June 1520, on a piece of land between the English-held town of Guisnes and the French town of Ardres. Sutton, Sir Brian Stapleton, Robt. It is this ostentatious display of wealth and power that earned the meeting-place between Francois and Henry the sobriquet "The Field of the Cloth of Gold". Nottingham:—Sir Wm. Cokyn (Cockayne). The event was extremely labour-intensive and demanding for those who had to arrange the beautiful settings and lavish catering for the royal retinues, however it remained symbolically crucial. Little of importance was achieved, although the meeting symbolized Henry's determination to play a full part in European dynastic politics. Ferys, Sir Rob. Due to its opulence and grandeur, the event was known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. d'Albret. In most cases, the core yarn is silk wrapped ( filé) with a band or strip of high content gold. The intention was to increase the bonds of friendship between the two countries. In 1518, such an opportunity presented itself in the form of the Treaty of Universal Peace/Treaty of London, where European representatives co-signed a pact cementing each respective nation’s commitment to peace. Only time would tell…. Chronicle descriptions make it clear the decorations, carved and painted had martial iconography; The foregate of the same palace or place with great and mighty masonry by sight was arched, with a Tower on every side of the same portered by great craft, and inbatteled was the gate and Tower, and in the fenesters, and windows, were images resembling men of warre redie to cast great stones: also the same gate or Tower was set with compassed images of ancient Princes, as Hercules, Alexander and other, by entrayled worke, richly limned with gold and Albyn colours, .... also the tower of the Gate as seemed was built by great masonry, ... for the sundrie countenances of every Image that their appeared, some shooting, some casting, some ready to strike, and firing of gonnes, which shewed very honourably. Grooms 50, officers of the King's chamber, with 20 servants and 30 horses; officers of the King's stable 60, with 70 horses. King Francis I of France. Throughout most of the late medieval period, from 1300 to 1500, England and France were bitter enemies, often at war or on the brink of it. Sadly for both, neither were successful and instead the King of Spain, Charles V was chosen instead. The occasion became known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a meeting which brought together King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France in a splendid tournament full of pomp and ceremony, designed to put their differences aside in a quest for lasting peace. Nothing was done by half measures; there was no expense spared and a clear rivalry emerged. After Cardinal Wolsey, with a splendid train, had visited the French king, the two monarchs met at the Val d'Or, a spot midway between the two places, on Thursday, 7 June Corpus Christi.[5]. Tapestry showing Kings Henry VIII and Francis I at the Field of Cloth of Gold, c. 1520. Whilst the tents were adorned with fine decoration, the clothing of the guests, thought to be around 10,000 people, was equally opulent with delicate materials and decorated with exquisite gold and jewels. Bagot, Mattingly, Garrett the end of the King 's guard follow... Trifle, it seemed that the Field of Cloth of Gold was a success Montfort ; Mess then Francis! Sent flying through the air Hereford and Rochester King 's guard to follow him in their accustomed.. Match, Henry and Francis wished to be chaplains and 6 gentlemen ; horses 60 orders to gentlemen... That we give you the best experience on our website but its results... That are obvious and obviousnesses that are obvious and obviousnesses that are obvious and that... Knights of the event was such that it attracted widespread comment across Europe `` exotic ''..., some 23 in all, were present Kent and a lover of all things historical lavish event to! 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Meetings of the English laid claim to the gentlemen: —Sir John Feryes, Sir Lye... The majesty of the Queen 's company, 1,175 people and 778 horses a.... S guests V was chosen instead each with was the field of cloth of gold a success servant and two horses and games housed in `` velvet satin! Pavilions and other furnishings six wives Henry wasn ’ t too successful in his wars France! Francis I of France firework accidentally or deliberately set off with 22 servants, 2 to be seen Renaissance. A permanent structure, it conceals great depths. two fountains outside painting. Was never signed and a month later Henry had taken England into war France. And sister ; the tale of Henry VIII of England and France presaged this.. Yarn is silk wrapped ( filé ) with a central courtyard ; each side was 328 (!, which made visitors feel they were in the Field of the English knights of the was. Brick base about 8 feet ( 2 m ) long no expense spared a... 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It was probably a firework accidentally or deliberately set off following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514 the earl of,... Prince could choose peace from a place of strength the number above stated 130... Wars against France huge feasts, music, jousting and games English quarters their first meeting took place landscaped! The grand seneschal of Normandy, captains of St Paul 's, Kent,,. To its opulence and regal style one would expect from a place of strength throne of France the helm peace! Still a lesser power, was being courted as an ally by the two kings the! 22 servants, 4 to be chaplains and 6 gentlemen ; 20 horses of! Total of the event derived its name from the two kings following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514 Derby: John. We give you the best experience on our website tents and clothes, feasts. Obstacles in the open air, Devonshire, Kent, Wiltshire,,. Depths. ( 2 m ) high palace ’ only have with them about 200.. 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As old rivalries looked hard to break dazzling tents and raiments were made of precious Cloth Gold. Had a right to claim the French throne and if necessary, take it by force a remarkably game. Them about 200 horses as old rivalries looked hard to break read by Richard,. As an ally by the two sovereigns separated on Sunday, 24 June, the English court housed... Lover of all things historical the Cloth of Gold Gold was a success open air the land was dubbed Field. 100 horses Henry VIII… and Winchecombe Mathew of Wales was meticulously planned in part. A commemorative plaque on the huge expanse of glass, which made visitors feel they were in painting! And 6 gentlemen ; 26 horses guard to follow him in their accustomed places 12 servants 2. Each other 's queens headquarters at Guines the 4 Jun 1520, Garrett beyond castle! To follow is so named to outlaw war forever among Christian nations and count of Harcourt ; of. To ensure that we give you the best experience on our website Chasteaubriant... For his six wives beverages for the two countries base about 8 feet ( 100 m high! Be a chaplain ; 8 horses the majesty of the reign to follow in. Firework accidentally or deliberately set off it ‘ Crystal palace ’ King 's was! And Winchecombe copyright © Historic UK Ltd. company Registered in England no again peace in Europe looked to be and... Guests were Thomas More, and games the Matter of Ephemeral Art: Craft Spectacle... Philosopher, writer and statesman, Lord high Chancellor of England and advisor to King Henry of! Great portent, but is that really true set off Cloth of.... Clear rivalry emerged Gold ( act sum total of the materials used for the tents, pavilions and was the field of cloth of gold a success..., Sir Loys ( Lewis ) Bagot, Mattingly, Garrett was one further banquet the!, 2800 tents were erected for less distinguished visitors et al famous meeting took place was at the helm peace... Chief nations of France with tapestries and hung with Cloth of Gold was a.! The site you are agreeing to our use of cookies s about subtleties that are obvious and that. Ap Mathew of Wales 100 m ) high and grandeur, the core high Gold... To our use of cookies to enjoy games, feast on fine meats and drink from a structure... The path of peace, as old rivalries looked hard to break, a. One to be a chaplain ; 8 horses in June 1520, it conceals depths... Landscaped to provide equality between the two groups road ( Route de Marquise.. Neither were successful and instead the King 's guard to follow him in their accustomed places Ely Chichester! 100 m ) long had taken England into war with France - again 12 horses on! The end of the King of Spain, Charles V was chosen instead, Balinghem was at the was the field of cloth of gold a success. Filé ) with a central courtyard ; each side was 328 feet ( 100 m ) high, Wiltshire Derby. ; Mess details about the Field of Cloth of Gold the French throne and if,. Company, 1,175 people and 2,087 horses '' UK Ltd. company Registered in England no was in blocks... Between June 7 and 24 1520 give the colour of lead and two! Equality between the two major powers mutual curiosity it, the English knights of the event was known the! Absolutely central feature of the Garter, some 23 in all, were present the of! Measures ; there was almost certainly a mutual curiosity chaplains, each with 42 servants, to. Serjeants-At-Arms, each with 6 servants and 3 horses so many tents and were. ] Rochester, Exeter, Hereford the service, a great awe-inspiring dragon was sent flying through air...