In 1513, at Guinegate in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, a body of French cavalry under Jacques de La Palice managed to survive a surprise attack by English and Imperial troops under Henry VIII and Maximilian I.

Battle of the SpursFending off a ferious attack by English and Burgundian cavalry, the French horse held the field in a famous rearguard action that became known to history as the "Battle of the Spurs". Subsequently, La Palice was able to relieve the besieged town of Therouanne, preventing it falling into the hands of Henry VIII of England. One of the most notable fatalities was the captain of the Kings bodyguard, Sir Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex. A veteran of the Italian Wars, he was being groomed for the position of Chief Captain of the King's forces. Another loss was the reputation of Mother Shipton, the English soothsayer who had confidently predicted a famous victory for Henry.