Not Just the Tudors King vs. Emperor: The Battle of Pavia, 1525
Nov 3, 2025
Join Glenn Richardson, a Professor of Early Modern History, as he dives into the pivotal Battle of Pavia of 1525, where Francis I of France faced off against Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. They explore how this clash reshaped Europe, the allure of Italian warfare, and the profound consequences on the Italian city-states. With insights into royal rivalries, tactics, and the aftermath of Francis's capture, Glenn highlights the battle's underappreciated significance and its long-term impacts on European history.
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Why Francis Besieged Pavia
- Francis besieged Pavia in 1524–25 to secure Milan and Lombardy after briefly reclaiming Milan.
- He underestimated Pavia's garrison and turned a quick campaign into a costly winter siege.
The Mirabello Capture Plot
- The imperial plan aimed to capture Francis by storming a manor at Mirabello before dawn and seizing the king asleep.
- The attack hit Mirabello but Francis was actually west with his cavalry, so the plan only partly succeeded.
How The Charge Turned Catastrophic
- Francis personally led a cavalry charge hoping to repeat Marignano's success but misjudged terrain and coordination.
- French cavalry were trapped by arquebusiers in woodland and imperial infantry, producing catastrophic slaughter and Francis's capture.
