Cornish

• In 1497, Henry needed money to stop the Warbeck threat as Scotland’s James IV sought to invade England.
• The Cornish were so geographically remote that they saw little reason why they had to pay taxes.
• The rebels assembled in Bodmin, May 1497.
• 15000 supporters were attracted, only one noble joined (the impoverished Lord Audley).
• The rebels made it clear that they were complaining against ’evil counsellors’ such as Morton and Bray rather than the king.
• 25000 men from the royal army crushed the rebels at Blackheath in June 1497.
• The rebellion only reached London as Henry was too preoccupied with the Warbeck threat.
• No second chances were given, the leaders were tortured and executed while others were heavily fined.
• The Cornish rebellion was 12 years into Henry’s reign, showing that loyalty was still limited.