Editing Second Anglo-Dutch War (section)

===Europe; 1666===
On 16 January 1666, Louis declared war on England.{{sfn|Fox|2018|p=136}} In return for a large French subsidy, [[Denmark–Norway]] did the same in February, effectively closing the [[Baltic maritime trade (c. 1400–1800)|Baltic trade]] to English ships, and with it access to vital naval supplies.{{sfn|Rommelse|2006|pp=148, 152}} The payments promised to von Galen by Charles largely failed to materialise, and when [[Brandenburg-Prussia]] threatened to attack Münster, he made peace with the Republic at [[Cleves]] in April.{{sfn|Rommelse|2006|pp=147, 151–152}}

[[Image:Action at Bergen, 3 August 1665 RMG BHC0698.tiff|thumb|upright=1.8|right|[[Battle of Vågen]], Norway, on 12 August 1665]]

Anglo-Dutch negotiations had progressed far enough that de Witt invited Charles II to start formal negotiations.{{sfn|Rommelse|2006|p=169}} Talks made little progress, as both sides felt they were negotiating from a position of strength. Despite the French declaration of war, Charles knew Louis wanted to avoid being dragged into the conflict, and through informal correspondence was aware he considered Dutch demands excessive.{{sfn|Jackson|2021|p=403}} By now, the French king had also concluded the Dutch would never voluntarily make the concessions he required in the Spanish Netherlands, and began planning the 1667 [[War of Devolution]].{{sfn|Geyl|1936|p=311}}

On the other hand, Dutch morale rose with the completion of thirty new warships, most carrying up to 72 guns, heavier than any available in early 1665.{{sfn|Rodger|2004|p=71}} They were supposed to link up with a French naval force in the [[English Channel]], giving them a significant numerical advantage.{{sfn|Fox|2018|pp=123–127}} However, most of the French ships were based in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], and despite leaving [[Toulon]] in April, delays meant they failed to arrive in time.{{sfn|Fox|2018|pp=173–175, 180}} One contemporary diplomat suggested the relatively new and inexperienced French navy did so deliberately, being "dismayed by the difficulties of the enterprise".{{sfn|Jackson|2021|p=401}}

Nevertheless, the threat of French intervention forced the English to send a detachment to block the [[Strait of Dover]], leaving 60 ships facing a Dutch fleet of around 84.{{sfn|Fox|2018|pp=116–117}} In the initial stages of the [[Four Days' Battle]], fought from 11 to 15 June, the Dutch inflicted heavy damage on their opponents. After the return of the detached squadron, depleted ammunition stocks forced both sides to break off the engagement. The English lost ten ships compared to only four Dutch, but any hope the Royal Navy was too damaged to renew hostilities soon proved incorrect.{{sfn|Fox|2018|p=276}}

After extensive repairs, the English fleet put to sea again and confronted the Dutch in the [[St. James's Day Battle]] of 4 and 5 August. Generally considered an English victory, it ultimately had little strategic value.{{sfn|Fox|2018|pp=295–296}} Although the Dutch suffered heavy casualties and many ships were badly damaged, their fleet remained intact, while lack of money meant the English could scarcely afford to pay their sailors or purchase supplies. A more significant economic loss occurred on 19 August, when up to 150 Dutch merchantmen sheltering in the [[Vlie]] estuary were destroyed in an action known as [[Holmes's Bonfire]].{{sfn|Fox|2018|pp=296–297}}

[[Image:Willem van de Velde the Elder (1611-93) - 'Holmes's Bonfire', the burning of Dutch Merchant Ships between Terschelling and Vlieland, 19th August 1666 - RCIN 406560 - Royal Collection.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|[[Holmes's Bonfire]], by [[Willem van de Velde the Elder]]]]

Over a period of eighteen months from 1665 to 1666, the [[Great Plague of London]] killed more than a quarter of its population. In September 1666, the [[Fire of London]] destroyed much of the city, causing huge economic damage, and public opinion now turned against the war.{{sfn|Jackson|2021|p=403}} Charles could no longer rely on London merchants to supply the loans needed to fund it, and the [[Navy Board]] was forced to discharge many sailors unpaid.{{sfn|Fox|2018|p=299}}

Parliament was recalled for the first time in a year, and approved new taxes of £1.8 million. However, their payment was subject to various conditions, and disputes over these meant delays in its collection. Lack of money made it almost impossible to plan naval operations for 1667.{{sfn|Fox|2018|p=300}}