Page 32 - All About History - Issue 12-14

Bluff er’s Guide

Field of the

Cloth of Gold

FRANCE, 7-24 JUNE 1520

What was it?
The parley between the young kings of
England and France was intended to
solidify a political and military alliance
between the two countries against the
powerful Roman Empire. Organised
by Henry VIII’s key advisor, Cardinal
Wolsey, no expense was spared in the
three-week soiree of dancing, feasting,
drinking and jousting.

How long did it last?
The Field of Cloth of Gold
lasted from 7 June, when the
two kings rode across the
Val Dore, until 24 June. The

Finding common ground provisions, elaborate palace
Located between the English-held town of Guînes near that was constructed in the
Calais and the French town of Ardres, the position of the field, as well as gathering
important state meeting was chosen carefully to be as
neutral as possible. Though the site is now in modern- together the huge number of
day France, at the time England held the port town of travelling guests, took months
Calais and a small amount of the surrounding territory,
making it a diplomatically neutral spot. of planning and organisation.

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