Exactly 500 years ago Armouries staff were sent to what is now Belgium to buy weapons for the Field of Cloth of Gold. Inspired by a single archive that details their expenditure, this is their story.
Over eight episodes, published each Friday, “Richard Pellande” will regale us with their adventures.
10 April 2020 – Episode 1: Bruges, 10th April 1520
17 April 2020 – Episode 2: Brussels, 17th April 1520
24 April 2020 – Episode 3: ‘Swords & States’, Antwerp, 24th April 1520
1 May 2020 – Episode 4: ‘Rivets & Rebels’, Mechelin, 1st May 1520
8 May 2020 – Episode 5: ‘Mules and Monarchs’, Brussels, 8th May 1520
15 May 2020 – Episode 6: ‘Mills and Miracles’. Oudenburgh, 15th May 1520
22 May 2020 – Episode 7: Calais, 22nd May 1520
29 May 2020 – Episode 8: Calais, 29nd May 1520
The Field of Cloth of Gold was a diplomatic summit between the Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France between the 7th – 24th June 1520. The summit was an extravagant display of royal magnificence which was expected to consolidate the peace between England and France after decades of warfare.
The event was a grand tournament involving jousting, tourneys and foot combat. Immortalised in works of art and eye-witness accounts The Field of Cloth of Gold was one of the most opulent diplomatic and sporting events ever staged.
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We are the Royal Armouries, the United Kingdom’s national collection of arms and armour. Discover what goes on behind the scenes and watch our collection come to life. See combat demonstrations, experience jousting and meet our experts.
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