I do remember how upset they were with the Trent Affair. Don't say I blame them either. With their 'neutral' status, that allowed for the private English enterprise to conduct trade as in ship building, merchandise and such to the Confederacy's advantage. That is, if they didn't get caught trying to bring stuff into the waters of the CSA.
France was also helpful in the Naval area. The USS Alabama was welcome there.

Pam