The Anglo French war of 1514 & the destruction of Brighton

spoiling for a fight

The Anglo French war did not cease after Henry's 1513 campaign; Tournai became an English territory, Therouanne was razed, the 'Army Royal' withdrew from Picardy late in the 1513 campaigning season but hostilities were still ongoing, namely in the form of surprise raids and counter-raids along the French & English coastlines.

Here's an example from June 1514 which recounts the destruction of Brighton (Brighthelmstone), it makes for interesting reading and would make an excellent skirmish game;

http://rpmcollections.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/brightons-first-map-the-french-attack-of-1514/

Did Henry let it lie? the Earl of Surrey, writing on 14 June 1514 from the Mary Rose recounts the English response;

I have been delayed, by contrary winds and lack of victuals, in fulfilling the King's command to land and burn in France; but yesterday I landed in Normandy, three miles W. from Cherbourg Castle, and have burnt all the country four miles west of where I landed, and three miles eastward to the walls of Cherbourg, and two miles inland, "which is as goodly a cou[ntry], and as well builded for small towns and villages, as I have seen in any country." Left no house unburnt that might be looked on, except Cherbourg. The town and castle are very strong. When I landed, I caused Walope, Gonstone, Sa[byne], and about 700 men to land thirty miles west of me. They have not yet returned, but they made such smoke in the country, that for some time we lost sight of land; "and thus I trust your grace be not in the French m[en's deb]t for burning of late of Brighthelmstone." (fn. 3) I send my servant Edward [Bray], who was one of those that had the order of the burning, for your information. I beg you to write letters of thanks to the gentlemen for their toward minds.

Landed yesterday in Normandy three miles west of Cherbourg, and burned [four] miles west, three miles east, and more than [two] inland as far as any house might be seen for great woods, leaving nothing unburnt but abbeys and churches. Burned many gentlemen's country houses, "well builded and stuffed with hangings and be ... of silk, of which neither they nor our men have little pr[ofit], for all or the more part was burnt." Re-embarked without the loss of a man. The night before I landed, to requite the burning of Preer John, I sent Walope, Gonstone, Sabyan, and 700 men to land thirty miles west of me. They have not yet returned, and were so far on our lee that they cannot be here till night, but they burnt the country so sore that we lost sight of the high hills of the Hag. Thinks the King should write a letter of thanks to the Vice-admiral and captains. Never saw men of better will to serve. Sends his servant Edw. Bray for their further information. Thinks Dover and Hastings should be warned to fortify themselves; for if Preer John intend any new business, he will meddle with one of those places, and could [burn] either without danger. When the wind is favorable, I shall send six more ships to those parts to encounter him. In the Mary Rose, before Portland. 14 June.


I must get some more French painted to get some skirmishes underway !

Bye for now

Stuart