Western Rebellion

• Summer 1549


  When did the Western rebellion take place?
• Was initially a commons rising. Sir Humphrey Arundell involved. Articles of Worship written by Robert Welsh (Cornish vicar)


  Who were the leaders involved?
• Prayer book and banning religious festivals; hatred of William Body for being greedy. introduction of poll tax on sheep


  What were the general causes of this uprising?
• Government didn't make any concessions and 4000 rebels killed in the siege of Exeter.


  What was the aftermath of the rebellion?
• Medium level; 7,000 rebels in total.


  What was the level of threat?
• To judge whether Catholic imagery had been efficiently destroyed.

  Why did William Body go to Cornwall in 1548?
• At Parish of St Keverne in Helton, in April 1548. Killed by a mob led by a priest.

  When, how and where did William Body die?
• Because order came that the new Anglican Prayer book would arrive on Whitsunday 1549

  Why was Humphrey Arundell inspired to make a petition to call for reinstatement of old worships?
• Imposition of common prayer book and English bible, church goods being seized by Protestants, sheep tax and a fear that this would be extended to pigs and geese, enclosures spreading in West country. Economic discontent as population was up 15% and prices doubled since 1520.


  What were the main grievances of the rebels?
• There was a power vacuum in the west country, and local landowners (Marquess of Exeter had been attainted and his replacement Lord Russell wasn't there to enforce local order) had been purged by Cromwell 10 years prior. Large distance from London and money may have been an issue. Possible that he sympathised with rebels and the way religious reform was carried out. Kett's rebellion also.

  Why might Lord Protector, Duke of Somerset, been slow to respond? (with the rebels still being together 7 weeks later)
• Sampford Courtney and Devon, after a new service was given. Gentry members killed.

  Who rebelled on Whitsun?
• Marched to Crediton and the 6,000 fortified the town, made possible due to the government's slow reaction.

  Where did the rebels go from Sampford Courtenay and Devon?
• Peter Carew


  Who did the government eventually send forces under after the rebels took Sampford Courtenay?
• He didn't effectively negotiate with the rebels, and ended up burning down one of their barns, angering them further.

  Why was Peter Carew a bad choice?
• Exeter, and here the citizens were supportive and many left to join them.

  Where did the rebels decide to go instead of London?
• Town officials like John Blackaller, as their fear of committing treason was stronger than their sympathy for the rebels.


  Who didn't support the rebels in Exeter?
• London was more politically central so rebellion here would have had more of an impact. Also, the people of Exeter leaving to join the rebellion would destroy the possibility of an uprising taking place here.


  What were the problems with doing a siege of Exeter instead of a siege of London?
• 6 weeks


  How long was the siege of Exeter?
• The Duke of Somerset replaced him with John Russell (Lord High Admiral)


  How was Peter Carew replaced by?
• He was based in Honiton but had forces numbering less than 100

  Where was John Russell based in in July 1549?
• 8000, including German mercenaries.

  How many forces did John Russell get after waiting force reinforcements?
• 3rd August 1549, and they marched to Exeter.

  When did forces arrive under Lord Grey?
• Fenry Bridge, Clyst St. Mary and Clyst Heath.


  Where were the rebels defeated?
• Sir William Herbert


  Who's arrival let Russell relieve the city of Exeter?
• 16th August


  When was the Battle of Sampford Courtenay?
• 8000 men


  How big was the Royal army at Sampford Courtenay?
• Sir William Herbert, Lord Grey and John Russell.

  Who was involved in the 3 pronged attack at Sampford Courtenay?
• 4000


  How many rebels were killed at Sampford Courtenay?
• Had a quick response in replacing Carew with John Russell. Tactically good with the three pronged attack. Had decent foreign relations as they had German and Italian Mercenaries.


  Why was the government effective in dealing with this rebellion?