Rebellions of 1549

Question 1

Western Rebellion (Prayer Book Rebellion)

Answer 1

1549

Started as locals protested about the new prayer book and insisted the priest use the old one. Rebels from Devon & Cornwall met.

Demands were largely religious (transubstantiation and purgatory), but also due to cloth and sheep tax. Early actions such as the robbing and murder of gentry, along with shouts of ‘Kill the Gentlemen’ reinforce this.

Rebels laid siege to Exeter and were finally defeated at Sampford Courtenay, over 3,000 of them killed.

Question 2

Kett’s Rebellion

Answer 2

1549

Began in enclosure riots in Wynmondham. Kett raised 16,000 men and was offered a pardon, which they refused and seized Norwich. A force under Northampton was defeated, before Northumberland massacred the rebels at Dussindale, killing 3,000.

Demands -
Enclosure
Economic concerns
Religious concerns, better preachers and further reform

Kett was hanged for treason, but many treated leniently