James I's foreign policy: the trip to Madrid and the French marriage alliance

The trip to Madrid (1623)

• In 1623, Charles and Buckingham assumed disguises and fake names and set off on a secret trip to Spain, hoping that the trip would show the depth of Charles' commitment to the Infanta, Maria
• The Spanish were amazed when Charles arrived in Spain, but did not let him see Maria
• Charles and Buckingham were humiliated and sought revenge, and called for a war with Spain when they returned to England
• This was popular with Parliament, but opposed by Cranfield, the English Treasurer, who argued that a war with Spain would be disastrous for royal finances…