and subdued the impregnable city of Boulogne and triumphantly overcame the ranks of many enemies. He would not withhold his heavy hand from war before he had sacked the sizeable city. Through the whole war he recalled eager prowess, and no one could have been more weakened without giving way than he, who shed sweat for a long time in order that all mortals should now share peace forever. How could one not be obliged to honour such a king, who for the sake of all endured much hardship?

Henry launched a major invasion of France in alliance with the Emperor Charles V in summer 1544. In July he took personal command of his army, which had set out from the English foothold of Calais. Abandoning a planned advance on Paris he directed his forces against a less ambitious objective, laying siege to the port of Boulogne a short distance from Calais, which surrendered in September.

By the time he embarked on the Boulogne campaign Henry, aged 53, was severely obese and afflicted by chronic ulcers on his legs and recurrent outbreaks of fever.