Throughout the first part of the 15th century, politics in Europe were dominated by two major powers, France, and the combination of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire.

Although England was peripheral to the titanic struggle between these super-powers, she was still a useful ally, particularly for the empire.

In 1544, Henry VIII allied himself with the Empire to attack France (he was already at war with Scotland).

Despite Henry's capture of Boulogne, the Empire made peace with France, allowing the French to mass a huge fleet for the invasion of the Isle of Wight in 1545.

Ship's History
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