Elizabeth’s French Wars, 1562–1598

This book measures, for the first time, the scale and importance of the little-known dimension of English intervention during the French Wars of Religion of the late sixteenth century. Drawing from previously unused information and sources from England and France, William Heap looks at why and how Elizabeth I intervened and examines the consequences of this intervention. Heap investigates how the “natural” enemy became an ally; how relations between Elizabeth and three French kings were frequently at the heart of grand strategy; and how Elizabeth’s sword of intervention was double-edged: both benevolent and exploitative.
 
Heap examines the the scale of provision of arms, the role of economic and monetary questions, and shows how England effectively kickstarted and perpetuated the wars. Elizabeth’s French Wars focuses on the involvement of English armies at Le Havre (1562–63), Rouen (1591), Crozon (1594), and Amiens (1597). Ultimately, the author’s research reveals the real strategy and tactics of Henry IV and allows for a reevaluation of this military leader. Exploiting much previously untouched material from English and French libraries and archives, and accompanied by thirty color images, Elizabeth’s French Wars, 1562–1598 is sure to be of interest to all students and other academics specializing in the Tudor period, French history, and military history.