The Western Rebellion Flashcards
What were the main causes of the Western Rebellion of 1549?
The rebellion was primarily driven by opposition to the introduction of the Protestant Book of Common Prayer, economic grievances such as the imposition of a poll tax on sheep, and resentment towards government agents enforcing religious reforms
How did the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer contribute to the rebellion?
The enforcement of the Protestant Book of Common Prayer in 1549 alienated traditionally Catholic regions like Devon and Cornwall, leading to widespread unrest.
In what ways did economic factors, such as taxation, fuel the Western Rebellion?
The government’s introduction of a poll tax on sheep threatened the livelihoods of farmers, especially in Devon, exacerbating existing economic hardships and contributing to the uprising.
How did the rebellion manifest differently in Devon compared to Cornwall?
While both regions opposed religious reforms, Cornwall’s rebellion was further intensified by the actions of government agent William Body, whose enforcement of iconoclasm led to his murder by locals
What role did local leaders in Devon and Cornwall play in the rebellion?
In Cornwall, figures like Robert Welsh, a vicar, and Sir Humphrey Arundell led the uprising, while in Devon, local gentry were less supportive, leading to variations in the rebellion’s intensity.
What were the primary objectives of the Western Rebellion?
The rebels sought the restoration of traditional Catholic practices, the reversal of Protestant reforms, and the removal of oppressive economic policies like the sheep tax.
How did the rebels’ demands reflect their religious and economic concerns?
Their demands included reinstating Latin mass and traditional rituals, as well as abolishing new taxes, highlighting a blend of religious conservatism and economic distress.
Approximately how many rebels participated in the Western Rebellion?
The rebellion attracted a substantial following, with estimates suggesting around 6,000 participants at its peak.
Which social groups were predominantly involved in the rebellion?
The uprising was largely supported by peasants, artisans, and some clergy, reflecting widespread discontent among the lower and middle classes
Who were the key leaders of the Western Rebellion?
Sir Humphrey Arundell led the rebels militarily, while Robert Welsh, a Cornish vicar, was instrumental in articulating their demands
How effective was the leadership during the rebellion?
While Arundell and Welsh mobilized significant support, their decision to besiege Exeter for six weeks allowed government forces time to organize a decisive response
What were the main reasons for the failure of the Western Rebellion?
The rebellion failed due to unrealistic demands, lack of noble support, poor strategic decisions like the protracted siege of Exeter, and the government’s military superiority.
How did the government’s military response contribute to the rebellion’s failure?
The deployment of 8,000 well-armed German mercenaries, who killed over 4,000 rebels, effectively crushed the uprising
How did the government initially respond to the Western Rebellion?
The government was slow to react, with Lord Protector Somerset distracted by other uprisings, leading to a delayed military intervention
What measures did the government take to suppress the rebellion?
Once mobilized, the government dispatched Lord Russell with a force of 8,000 mercenaries, who decisively defeated the rebels near Exeter
To what extent did the Western Rebellion threaten the Tudor government?
While significant in scale, the rebellion was geographically confined and lacked coordination with other uprisings, posing a moderate threat that was effectively contained.
How did the rebellion’s threat level compare to other contemporary uprisings?
The Western Rebellion was one of several disturbances in 1549, including Kett’s Rebellion, but was less threatening due to its regional isolation and lack of noble backing
How did local authorities in Devon and Cornwall respond to the rebellion?
Local authorities were initially ineffective, with some sympathizing with the rebels, leading to a reliance on central government intervention
What role did central authorities play in quelling the rebellion?
The central government, under Lord Protector Somerset, eventually dispatched Lord Russell with a substantial force to suppress the uprising decisively
How many rebels were killed during the suppression of the Western Rebellion?
Over 4,000 rebels were killed by government forces during the decisive battle near Exeter.
What specific religious demands did the rebels make during the Western Rebellion?
The rebels demanded the restoration of the Six Articles of 1539, the Latin Mass, and traditional Catholic practices such as holy bread, holy water, and prayers for the dead.
How did the rebels express their opposition to Protestant reforms in their demands?
They called for the repeal of the English Bible and the return of the Latin Bible, as well as an end to the use of the new Protestant Book of Common Prayer.
What specific economic grievances did the rebels include in their demands?
The rebels demanded the abolition of the sheep and cloth tax and protested the enclosure of common lands, which they argued threatened their livelihoods.
Who were the key figures involved in leading the Western Rebellion?
Humphrey Arundell, a prominent leader from Cornwall; Robert Welsh, a vicar from Devon who acted as the spiritual leader; and Lord Russell, who led the royal forces against the rebels.
How did Edward VI and the Duke of Somerset respond to the Western Rebellion?
Somerset sent Lord Russell with royal troops to suppress the rebellion, resulting in a brutal crackdown, including massacres at Clyst Heath and harsh punishments for captured rebels.
What were the long-term consequences of the Western Rebellion for Tudor governance?
The rebellion reinforced the need for stronger central and regional authority, and the government imposed stricter enforcement of Protestant reforms.
How did the Western Rebellion impact future rebellions in the Tudor period?
It highlighted the dangers of religious and regional unrest, prompting the Crown to preemptively address discontent and ensure tighter control over local governance.
