Editing Edward VI (section)

=== War ===
Somerset's only undoubted skill was as a soldier, which he had proven on expeditions to [[Scotland]] and in the defence of [[Boulogne-sur-Mer]] in 1546. From the first, his main interest as Protector was the war against Scotland.<ref>{{Harvnb|Brigden|2000|p=183}}; {{Harvnb|MacCulloch|2002|p=42}}.</ref> After a crushing victory at the [[Battle of Pinkie]] in September 1547, he set up a network of garrisons in Scotland, stretching as far north as [[Dundee]].{{Sfn|Mackie|1952|p=484}} But his initial successes were followed by a loss of direction, as his aim of uniting the realms through conquest became increasingly unrealistic. The Scots allied with France, who sent reinforcements for the defence of Edinburgh in 1548.{{Sfn|Mackie|1952|p=485}} The Queen of Scots was moved to France, where she was betrothed to the [[Francis II of France|Dauphin]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Wormald|2001|p=62}}; {{Harvnb|Loach|1999|pp=52–53}}.</ref> The cost of maintaining the Protector's massive armies and his permanent garrisons in Scotland also placed an unsustainable burden on the royal finances.<ref name =Bwar>{{Harvnb|Brigden|2000|p=183}}.</ref> A French attack on Boulogne in August 1549 at last forced Somerset to begin a withdrawal from Scotland.{{Sfn|Elton|1977|pp=340–41}}