War with Scotland and Strategic Restraint

The Constant Princess

This thread traces the rise of Scottish danger, Katherine’s preparations, the victory at Flodden, and her refusal to answer defeat with annihilation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Raids at the Border Raids at the Border from "The Constant Princess". The Northern Threat Sea and land exposed Scottish privateers attack English shipping while border raids continue.

Raids at the Border from "The Constant Princess". The Northern Threat Sea and land exposed Scottish privateers attack English shipping while border raids continue.

The Northern Threat Sea and land exposed Scottish privateers attack English shipping while border raids continue. Katherine sees these actions as signs of a larger security problem. The navy responds Edward Howard captures Andrew Barton, but the victory does not settle the dispute. The sea and border remain connected fronts.

The Pope Intervenes The Pope Intervenes from "The Constant Princess". Diplomacy Buys Time A discreet appeal Katherine lets Richard Bainbridge carry her concerns to the Pope.

The Pope Intervenes from "The Constant Princess". Diplomacy Buys Time A discreet appeal Katherine lets Richard Bainbridge carry her concerns to the Pope.

Diplomacy Buys Time A discreet appeal Katherine lets Richard Bainbridge carry her concerns to the Pope. She frames Scottish aggression as a threat to the wider Christian alliance. A temporary check Papal pressure forces James IV to apologize and restrains immediate escalation. Katherine secures time without committing England to an early war.

War Begins in the North War Begins in the North from "The Constant Princess". An Invasion Exploits Absence A divided kingdom With Henry and the main army overseas, James IV crosses the border and gathers a large force.

War Begins in the North from "The Constant Princess". An Invasion Exploits Absence A divided kingdom With Henry and the main army overseas, James IV crosses the border and gathers a large force.

An Invasion Exploits Absence A divided kingdom With Henry and the main army overseas, James IV crosses the border and gathers a large force. Katherine becomes the central authority responsible for defense. Mobilization She calls up troops and rides with them, refusing to let the army interpret her absence as impending defeat. The crisis tests her claim to rule.

The Battle at Flodden The Battle at Flodden from "The Constant Princess". The Scottish Army Broken Strategic restraint Katherine keeps a reserve force and urges Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, not to attack strong ground uphill.

The Battle at Flodden from "The Constant Princess". The Scottish Army Broken Strategic restraint Katherine keeps a reserve force and urges Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, not to attack strong ground uphill.

The Scottish Army Broken Strategic restraint Katherine keeps a reserve force and urges Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, not to attack strong ground uphill. Her advice respects the difficulty of the terrain. A decisive result Surrey’s army defeats the Scots and James IV dies. The victory prevents the invasion from reaching the southern kingdom.

Peace After Victory Peace After Victory from "The Constant Princess". Restraint Replaces Revenge The temptation to advance With Scotland weakened, Katherine could order an invasion and destroy the country’s capacity to resist.

Peace After Victory from "The Constant Princess". Restraint Replaces Revenge The temptation to advance With Scotland weakened, Katherine could order an invasion and destroy the country’s capacity to resist.

Restraint Replaces Revenge The temptation to advance With Scotland weakened, Katherine could order an invasion and destroy the country’s capacity to resist. Her parents’ example points toward further conquest. A different decision She permits surrender and offers peace. She believes that hatred would outlast the campaign and endanger the next generation.

Summer 1511, after Andrew Barton’s attacks

1511, during the border dispute

Summer 1513, while Henry campaigns in France

10 September 1513, at Flodden

September 1513, immediately after Flodden