Western Rebellion

Question 1

When and where did the Western Rebellion take place?

Answer 1

The Western Rebellion took place in June 1549 in Devon and Cornwall (Sampford Courtenay)

Question 2

What were the trigger causes for this Rebellion?

Answer 2

• The Act of Uniformity and the introduction of the New Prayer Book meant that there was religious tension.
• William Body’s support for Protestantism made this worse.

Question 3

Where was the main base for the rebellion?

Answer 3

• Protests started in Bodmin which was only a prelude as of what was to come in Sampford Courtenay which acted as the main base for the rebellion.
• By June 20th rebels from Devon and Cornwall had joined forces at Crediton.
• Instead of marching towards a poorly defended London, Arundel decided to advance on Exeter. There was a 6 week siege swinging back and forth.

Question 4

How did the gentry react to the situation?

Answer 4

Most of the gentry tried to calm the rebels and were unsuccessful in doing so. Sir Peter Carew rode to meet and battle the rebels on 21st June but only aggravated the problem as he was a protestant.

Question 5

How did the government react?

Answer 5

• Firstly they wanted to find a peaceful solution.
  Government reaction was slow because Somerset was preoccupied with economic issues and looming war against Scotland. Somerset ordered Sir Peter Carew, the sheriff of Devonshire to deal with rebels. This failed. He was then replaced with Lord Russell who had a reputation for brutality. Somerset urged Lord Russell, a catholic member of the council, to find a solution and wrote a conciliatory response to rebel the demands
• Set fire to rebel defences at Crediton