The Threat from France

What was the situation between France and England when Elizabeth became queen?

A war with France had ended in the Siege of Calais in 1558. The French seized Calais, which was England's toehold on mainland Europe.

What happened to Calais at the end of the war with France during the early years of Elizabeth's rule?

The Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis recognised Calais as being 'in French custody'.

Why was France a threat during the early years of Elizabeth's rule?

There were two important reasons why France was seen as a threat to England.

• ❖ Scotland was run by the Queen Regent, the French Mary of Guise. She invited French soldiers to defend Scotland from England. France was a Catholic country in the 1550s and Elizabeth was an English Protestant.
• ❖ Following the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the heir to the French throne, many in France believed she was also the rightful Queen of England.