How Did The Spanish Troops Capture Calais?

Calais a town in the Northern part of France was captured by Spain in 1558 under the leadership of the Duke of Guise. Phillip II, King of Spain sought help from Mary his wife, who was often referred to as Bloody Mary of England. She in turn called upon the Duke of Guise to declare war on France and capture Calais.

Calais is the closest French town to England and sits overlooking the Strait of Dover. In 1347 Calais was captured by the English under King Edward III. In 1558 the French under Francis, Duke of Guise took back the town of Calais for Phillip King of Spain.

Queen Mary of England was heart broken over the loss of Calais and exclaimed: "When I am dead and opened, you shall find Phillip and Calais lying in my heart." (Hollinshed's Chronicles, IV (1808) Calais was not to remain under the French for long for 1596 the Spanish invaded the now, French town.

In 1598 Calais was once again a French town through the Treaty of Vervins. In 1805 Calais was almost taken again during the thwarted invasion of Napoleon into Britain. As World War I arrived the English returned to Calais because it lay so close to Flanders, it served as a port for supplies and reinforcements for the Western Front. World War II brought total destruction to the town of Calais in the last defence of the British and French Troops against the Germans in 1940.
The Germans had control of Calais though it was in a state of complete destruction. Finally, in 1944 the Canadian forces took charge and returned Calais to the French. Today Calais remains under French rule.

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