Spurs, battle of the

Spurs, battle of the, 1513. In 1513 Henry VIII began his second campaign against France, in alliance with the emperor, and laid siege to the town of Thérouanne. On 16 August a French cavalry force, attempting to relieve the town, fled in disarray. Thérouanne surrendered the following week. Magnified as the battle of the Spurs, the skirmish testified to the military prowess of the young king.