 Following the deaths of his grandfathers , Ferdinand and Maximilian , in 1516 and 1519 respectively , Charles of Austria ascended the thrones of both Spain and the Holy Roman Empire . Likewise , Francis I became king of France on Louis ' death in 1515 , leaving three relatively young rulers and an opportunity for a clean slate . Cardinal Thomas Wolsey 's careful diplomacy had resulted in the Treaty of London in 1518 , aimed at uniting the kingdoms of western Europe in the wake of a new Ottoman threat , and it seemed that peace might be secured . Henry met Francis I on 7 June 1520 at the Field of the Cloth of Gold near Calais for a fortnight of lavish entertainment . Both hoped for friendly relations in place of the wars of the previous decade . The strong air of competition laid to rest any hopes of a renewal of the Treaty of London , however , and conflict was inevitable . Henry had more in common with Charles , whom he met once before and once after Francis . Charles brought the Empire into war with France in 1521 ; Henry offered to mediate , but little was achieved and by the end of the year Henry had aligned England with Charles . He still clung to his previous aim of restoring English lands in France , but also to securing an alliance with Burgundy and the continuing support of Charles . A small English attack in the north of France made up little ground . Charles defeated and captured Francis at Pavia , and could dictate peace ; but he believed he owed Henry nothing . Sensing this , Henry decided to take England out of the war before his ally , signing the Treaty of the More on 30 August 1525 . 
