Western Rebellion

Question 1

Who were the rebels led by?

Answer 1

Sir Humphrey Arundell and John Winslade

Question 2

Who led the opposing forces?

Answer 2

Edward Seymour, John Russell, Anthony Kingston and William Francis.

Question 3

What were the religious causes of the rebellion?

Answer 3

1. 1547: Act of Uniformity passed
2. 1548: Destruction of chantries
3. 1549: Introduction of the New Prayer Book
4. Religious tension in the West for a while leading up to the rebellion

Question 4

What were the other causes of the rebellion?

Answer 4

• 25 counties in England rebelling in response to food taxes, religious changes and enclosure of land
• Resentment towards gentry

Question 5

What were the effects of the rebellion?

Answer 5

• Weakened Somerset’s government and played a vital role in his loss of power.

Question 6

What were the main events of the rebellion?

Answer 6

1. Protests across Cornwall, due to intro of NPB, came together under Arundell at Bodmin
2. William Body murdered on 5th April 1548
3. Exeter initially welcomed uprising but changed
4. Arundell decided to march for Exeter and capture it
5. Mayor of Exeter and town officials, fearful of committing treason, overcame their sympathies for the rebels and refused them entry. This resulted in a 6 week siege
6. 16th August 1549: Russell led 8000 men against the rebels
7. Rebels eventually fled- 4000 men died

Question 7

Who was William Body?

Answer 7

A government commissioner who oversaw the destruction of Catholic images.