The Rough Wooing, also known as the Eight Years' War, was part of the Anglo-Scottish Wars of the 16th century. Following its break with the Catholic Church, England attacked Scotland, partly to break the Auld Alliance and prevent Scotland being used as a springboard for future invasion by France, partly to weaken Scotland, and partly to force the Scottish Parliament to confirm the existing marriage alliance between Mary, Queen of Scots, and the English heir apparent Edward, son of King Henry VIII, under the terms of the Treaty of Greenwich of July 1543. An invasion of France was also contemplated.
Anglo-Scottish border at the time of the Rough Wooing
Surviving buildings in the Old Town of Edinburgh
Sir John Luttrell, English commander at Inchcolm and Broughty Castle
Facsimile of a contemporary sketch showing the deployment of Hertford's forces before they burnt Edinburgh in May 1544
The Auld Alliance was an alliance between the kingdoms of Scotland and France against England made in 1295. The Scots word auld, meaning old, has become a partly affectionate term for the long-lasting association between the two countries. Although the alliance was never formally revoked, it is considered by some to have ended with the signing of the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560.
The marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots with Francis II of France briefly revived the Auld Alliance
"La plus vieille alliance du monde"