England under Henry VIII had declared war on France in 1512 (as part of the larger conflict known as the War of the League of Cambrai).

James IV of Scotland invades England in fulfillment of his alliance with France (even though he is married to Henry's sister Margaret).In 1513, after preliminary raids by borderers come to grief, James's main army invades England.

His artillery quickly subdues English castles such as Norham and Wark.

However, James's overdeveloped sense of chivalry prompts him to issue a formal challenge to the English army under the Earl of Surrey and await him in position.

Surrey's army maneuvers around the Scottish army and attacks from the rear.

In the resulting disastrous Battle of Flodden, James IV is killed, along with many of his nobles and gentry, the "Flowers of the Forest".