Aims

  • Secure a marriage between Edward VI and Mary, Queen of Scots (Treaty of Greenwich, 1543)
  • Achieve political union between England and Scotland
  • Continue the military campaign against Scotland begun under Henry VIII
  • Avoid war with France but limit the Auld Alliance between France and Scotland

Battle of Pinkie (1547)

  • Took place in September 1547
  • England achieved a decisive victory over Scotland
  • Somerset captured Edinburgh and key border strongholds
  • Forced to return to London due to domestic issues, leaving garrisons behind

Policy of Garrisoning and Early Success

  • Replaced sporadic invasions with permanent garrisons to maintain pressure
  • 25 garrisons established with 14 more planned (1547–1549)
  • Initially effective in asserting control over parts of Scotland

Failure of Garrisoning

  1. French Intervention: Arrival of 10,000 French troops in 1548 overwhelmed garrisons
  2. Mary taken to France: Undermined purpose of campaign
  3. Logistical Issues: Expensive and difficult to supply and defend remote garrisons
  4. French Attacks: French besieged key garrisons like Haddington
  5. Domestic Rebellions (1549): Western and Kett’s rebellions diverted attention and troops
  6. Abandonment of Garrisons: Eventually had to withdraw from Haddington and Scotland