Cornish Tax Revolt 1497

Question 1

Why was Cornwall exempt from taxation prior to the 1497 taxation?

Answer 1

They were exempt from taxation from war with Scotland due to distance and poverty.

Question 2

What did the gvt approve in 1496?

Answer 2

A forced loan against the Scots which was levied through the Cornish.

Question 3

Why did the Cornish have little sympathy against English wars against the Scots?

Answer 3

Most Cornish couldn’t speak English and there was a huge distance from Cornwall and Scotland.

Question 4

Why were the tin miners angered by this tax?

Answer 4

It violated previous rights granted by Ed IV which exempted Cornwall from all taxes of 10ths of income.

Question 5

What did the new loan mean?

Answer 5

Cornwall would have to pay a disproportionately large share.

Question 6

Who incited the Cornish into an armed revolt against the king?

Answer 6

Michael An Gof and Thomas Flamank.

Question 7

How many men marched into Devon to attract support?

Answer 7

15,000 men. They aimed to attract support in terms of provisions and recruits but attracted very little active support. They marched peacefully.

Question 8

What noble support did the rebellion have?

Answer 8

James Touchet (7th Baron Audley). Somerset. Audley was in financial difficulties and out of favour with the govt.

Question 9

What did the army of men issue to prevent the payment of tax?

Answer 9

A declaration of grievances and made a decision to force the monarch into concessions.

Question 10

Where didn’t the army find support?

Answer 10

In Kent and some members of the Cornish army retreated.

Question 11

Where did the Cornish army arrive on 13 June 1497?

Answer 11

In Guildford and H7 had also gathered an army of 8,000 men under the command of Lord Daubeney. The Cornish retreated and left to Blackheath.

Question 12

When was the Battle of Blackheath (or Battle of Deptford Bridge)?

Answer 12

17th June 1497 in South East London. Only 10,000 Cornish soldiers were left to fight while H7 had an army of 25,000 men.

Question 13

How many Cornish perished during this revolt?

Answer 13

200-2000

Question 14

Who gave the order for surrender?

Answer 14

An Gof which then led to a general slaughter of the broken Cornish army. An Gof fled but got captured in Greenwich.

Question 15

Who was taken on the field of battle by Henry’s army?

Answer 15

Baron Audley and Thomas Flamank.

Question 16

What were the consequences of this revolt?

Answer 16

1) Severe financial penalties following the revolt crippled the Cornish.
2) Prisoners were sold as slaves
3) Estates were seized and handed to loyal subjects.

Question 17

As a result, what were An Gof and Flamank sentenced to?

Answer 17

Sentenced to being hanged, drawn and quartered. They were executed on 27th June 1497.

Question 18

What happened to Audley?

Answer 18

He was beheaded on 28th June at Tower Hill and An Gof’s, Flamank’s as well as Audley’s heads were displayed on pikestaffs on London Bridge.