Tag Archives: Louis XIV of France

Day in History: 350 years since Charles II sold Dunkirk to France

October 22, 2012 at 7:33 pm by Artemisia

350 years ago Charles II sold Dunkirk to France for approximately £400,000. It was a hugely unpopular move that was influenced by financial and political needs. The port, although a valuable strategic outpost, was a huge drain on the King’s financial resources. However, there can be no doubt that even a greater motive was the vital need to forge closer relationships with France. Dunkirk was essentially a liability to the … Continue reading →