French invasion of the Isle of Wight French invasion of the Isle of Wight The French invasion of the Isle of Wight occurred during the Italian Wars in July 1545. The invasion was repulsed. France had a long history of attacking the Isle of Wight, and the 1545 campaign proved to be the last time to date that the French have attempted to take it. Although the French forces, led by Claude d'Annebault, greatly outnumbered those of the English, the battles fought (including the battles of the Solent and Bonchurch) ended without a clear winner. However, as the French were repelled, it could be considered an English
Culture of the Isle of Wight Maitland", are set on the island. The isle has been the setting for several novels, including Julian Barnes's utopian novel "England, England", and detective thrillers such as "The Fallen" by Robert Rennick. It also features in John Wyndham's novel "The Day of the Triffids" and Simon Clark's sequel "The Night of the Triffids". The Iranian-born poet Mimi Khalvati was educated at Upper Chine School in Shanklin; many of her poems are about the island, especially in the book "The Chine". Sandown-based author Edward Upward sets part of his book "In the Thirties" on the Isle of Wight. The 1973 film