War of the Rough Wooing

The War of the Rough Wooing (1543–1551) was a conflict between England and Scotland, initiated by England’s King Henry VIII. His goal was to force Scotland to agree to a marriage alliance—his son Edward to the Scottish Queen Mary—aimed at uniting the two crowns. Scotland resisted, leading to military confrontations, raids, and diplomatic struggles. The war was marked by battles, sieges, and political negotiations, ultimately resulting in limited peace terms. It reflected England’s attempt to expand influence over Scotland, but failed to achieve permanent union, setting the stage for ongoing Scottish resistance and eventual independence.