Between June 7th and 24th, 1520, a lavish display of wealth and power unfolded near Calais, France. King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France met for a summit known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. The location, a valley between Guînes and Ardres, was transformed into a temporary city of extravagance. Both monarchs erected opulent palaces adorned with gold cloth, hence the event’s name. Jousting tournaments, elaborate feasts, and dazzling displays of pageantry filled the days, showcasing both kingdoms’ immense wealth and prowess.
Despite the outward show of unity, the summit ultimately achieved little in terms of concrete political agreements. The immense cost of the event strained the treasuries of both nations, and underlying tensions remained. However, the Field of the Cloth of Gold remains a fascinating episode in European history, a testament to the extravagant displays of power and rivalry that characterised the early 16th century.
