Henry VII: Foreign Policy - Scotland

Question 1

What were Anglo-Scottish relations like at the beginning of Henry VII’s reign?

Answer 1

• Relations between England and Scotland were traditionally difficult, with frequent border warfare, and complicated by the persistent danger of a Franco-Scottish alliance
• Henry was relatively fortunate because the problems took a while to develop. James IV was a minor and his regent, the Earl of Angus, was an anglophile Scot
• In 1495, however, James came of age and proved to be a formidable foe
• He was a dedicated warrior who spent huge sums on weaponry, building a significant arsenal

Question 2

Scotland Welcomes Warbeck

Answer 2

• James IV recognises Perkin Warbeck and gives him a royal welcome in 1495
• James IV also sheltered him for two years, paid him a pension and agreed to Warbeck’s marriage to his cousin, the Lady Catherine Gordon

Question 3

Describe the attempted invasion of England, led by Warbeck and backed by James IV

Answer 3

• In 1496, Warbeck launched an abortive invasion of England with James IV’s support
• In retaliation, Henry built the largest army of his reign
• In 1497, the Earl of Surrey marshalled English troops on the Scottish border but James IV was saved from invasion by the start of the Cornish rebellion
• The rebellion was ironically provoked by the subsidy raised to pay for the war against Scotland

Question 4

What did England and Scotland do after the failed invasion?

Answer 4

• James IV was left isolated by Warbeck’s departure and faced growing discontent from his chief lords
• It suited both Kings to make peace at the Truce of Ayton in 1497

Question 5

How were Anglo-Scottish relations after the Truce of Ayton?

Answer 5

• The Truce of Ayton established Anglo-Scottish harmony for the remainder of the reign and matured into a formal
  peace treaty in 1502
• Its long-term strength was symbolised by Henry’s agreement in 1501 for his daughter Princess Margaret to marry James IV, with the actual marriage taking place in 1503