- 12th Century: England had close ties with the Angevin Empire, which included parts of France, Normandy, and Anjou. This alliance was based on the marriage between Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
- Late 13th Century: England formed an alliance with the Holy Roman Empire against France. This alliance was sealed through the marriage of Edward I of England and Margaret of France, daughter of King Philip III.
- Early 14th Century: England maintained a close alliance with Flanders, which was economically important for the export of English wool.
- Mid 14th Century: England sought to form alliances with continental powers to combat the growing power of France. These alliances included the Hundred Years' War alliance with the Duchy of Burgundy and the Treaty of Windsor with the Holy Roman Empire.
- 15th Century: England formed an alliance with Portugal, cemented by the marriage between John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt. This alliance was important in the development of trade and exploration.