FIELD OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD, the name given to the place between Guines and Ardres where Henry VIII. of Eng land met Francis I. of France in June 152o. Before the castle of Guines a temporary palace, covering an area of nearly 12,000 sq. yd., had been erected for Henry. It was decorated sumptu ously, and like the chapel, furnished with a profusion of golden ornaments. The size of Henry's following may be gathered from the fact that in one month 2,200 sheep and other viands in a similar proportion were consumed. In the fields beyond the castle, 2,80o tents were erected for less distinguished visitors. After Cardinal Wolsey had visited the French king at Ardres, the two monarchs met at the Val Dore, a spot midway between the two camps, on June 7 . The subsequent tournaments, banquets and entertainments lasted until the 24th. The meeting made a great impression on contemporaries, but its political results were very small. Henry shortly after enjoyed an equally friendly meet ing with Francis' rival, the Emperor Charles V.
The Ordonnance for the Field is printed by J. S. Brewer in the Calendar of State Papers, Henry VIII. Vol. iii. (1867). See also J. S. Brewer Reign of Henry VIII. (1884)•