Today In History: The Start of The Field of Cloth of Gold
A favorite setting for historical fiction novelist. Set to take place nearby of Calais in the area of Balinghem. The field of cloth of gold was opened on June 7Th and followed through to June 24Th in the year 1520. Intended for Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France to strengthen the bond of friendship following the signing of the Anglo-French treaty of 1518. It more so became a challenge of each kings egocentric personalities. Both kings going above and beyond the norm to upstage one another. The days were taken up with tournaments, in which both kings took part. There were banquets in which the kings entertained each other's queens. The many other entertainments included archery displays and wrestling between Breton and English wrestlers. The French account of events stated that apparently things turned sour for Henry when he lost a wrestling match with Francis.
~Lizzy~
It would have been a pretty fabulous spectacle wouldn't it!
ReplyDeleteHey Marg, yes it would have been very compelling to see. It would be better than the circus coming to town LOL. Imagine all the pretty tents they had.
ReplyDeleteI must confess the tent thing is hard for me to envision sometimes, because tents now are so small and functional, other than circus tents! lol
ReplyDeleteMarg, haha true very true I more picture like those new gazebo things with fabric walls. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I bet Henry was rather testy after losing that match, but, I bet it was exciting to watch. It's hard to envision a king getting down and dirty wrestling. Interesting information.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, lol so true I think that is why the match was well recorded. I think though that is when the rival really got going between the two. Francis however did write to Henry before his death to Henry he was sick so there was a bit of king-comradely in the end.
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