Were Anglo Scottish Relations Characterised By Continuity

Were anglo Scottish relations characterised by change or by continuity?

Throughout the Tudor period it was certainly the norm for Anglo-Scottish relations to be uneasy bordering often on emnity and, despite such periods of improved relations as 1486-9 - the years of the three year truce, and between 1497 and 1509, due to the diplomacy of Henry VII, however this did not continue into the reign of Henry VIII and the protectors, with relations of the 1540’s and early 1550’s characterised by hostility. A definite shift to amity (so definite that it resulted in the adoption of a Scottish king) occurred under Elizabeth I due to her reluctance to be drawn into military disputes and a vibration towards protestantism in Scottish religious sympathies.
The key contrast to be made is between the rules of Henry VII and Elizabeth I, who’s policies were characterised by diplomacy and reticence resulting in better relations, and that of and Henry VIII and the protectors, characterised by aggression, resulting almost always in worse. Henry VII’s primary aim was that of dynastic security, therefore he sought good relations with Scotland, this manifested its self primarily in the marriage of Margaret to James IV. Though dynastic security was certainly of great importance to Henry VIII and Somerset, this is evident from their attempts to force Mary Queen of Scots to marry Edward, their use of force resulted in a worsening of relations. Elizabeth was generally keen to cultivate good relations with the Scots, particularly post 1560. This was typical of her personality and style of leadership and resulted, along with James VI’s realisation that his drawing closer to England would likely result in his being put in line for the succession, with a peak in relations with Scotland. This manifested itself in such instances as when Elizabeth having sent troops to help Regent Morton in 1572 immediately withdrew them after they had helped him capture Edinburgh Castle (thus ensuring the Scots would not see them as occupiers as had happened with Somerset). It could be said that the role personality of the monarch pales into insignificance next to other factors, but it
It was under Elizabeth that the biggest improvement in relations between England and Scotland occurred. This improvement moved in parallel, and was inseparably linked with the rise of Protestantism in Scotland. In this instance religious change triggered change in the tone of relations. Some credit is owed to Somerset in this respect as his garrisoning policy had played a role in the wider proliferation of protestantism. In 1559 the Scots appealed to England for help in repelling the French, and the fact that Regent Morray sent border patrols to stop Scottish Catholics joining the Pro Catholic Northern Rebellion against Elizabeth in 1569 is evidence of this change in relations. Religion, that is after Elizabeth came to power was a vital Force of