Set against the backdrop of the Italian Wars, the Battle of Guinegate, also known as the Battle of the Spurs, was a significant conflict that occurred as part of the larger struggle for dominance in Europe between England and France. In 1513, King Henry VIII sought not only to assert his military strength but also to impress his allies, particularly the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, with whom he formed an alliance against France. The battle took place near the village of Guinegate in the Artois region of present-day France, where the English and Imperial forces confronted a French contingent led by the Duke of Longueville.

The engagement commenced on the morning of August 16, when Henry's troops, bolstered by their numerical advantage and superior cavalry, launched a surprise attack against the French forces. The English knights, clad in armor and mounted on strong steeds, charged down the slopes with significant momentum, resulting in a rapid rout of the French cavalry. The effectiveness of the English longbows, combined with the shock of the cavalry charge, created chaos among the French ranks, leading to a swift and decisive victory for Henry’s forces. The battle is noted for its relatively low casualty rates among the victors, but it inflicted heavy losses on the French, both in terms of men and morale.

The skirmish was dubbed the 'Battle of the Spurs' due to the nature of the retreating French cavalry, who fled so quickly that their spurs were lost in the chaos. This defeat served to strengthen Henry’s position in the ongoing struggle with France and underscored the importance of cavalry charges in Renaissance warfare. Additionally, it highlighted the changing dynamics in European politics, where coalitions and alliances became increasingly significant. The engagement is viewed as an early indicator of England’s military resurgence under Henry VIII and set the stage for future conflicts in the region.