Western Rising

Question 1

What were the key causes? (4)

Answer 1

• Strong religious tensions in the area
• Food shortages and tax on both cloth and sheep (suggested in Edwards letter)
• Resentment for the gentry
• The use of the new prayer book with locals demanding he say mass according to the old customs

Question 2

Key events:

Answer 2

• Rebels from Devon and Cornwall united at Crediton
• Rebels attack and kill gentry at St Michael’s Mount also proclaiming ‘kill the gentry’ at Bodmin
• Siege of Exeter would ensue
• Eventually, 3000 rebels were killed, while others were executed without trial and had their property confiscated

Question 3

Why were the rebels demands religion dominated?

Answer 3

They were drawn up by Catholic priests

Question 4

What did the rebels demand religiously?

Answer 4

Return to the traditional, Catholic doctrine with a belief in purgatory and transubstantiation

Question 5

What did the wealthier citizens do to prevent the poor from just handing Exeter over to the rebels? (4)

Answer 5

• Set up a continual guard
• Organised poor relief
• Sold cheap firewood
• Distributed food

Question 6

Why were the government forces slow to reach the rebels?

Answer 6

As they would be diverted to put down other risings in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire

Question 7

What happened to the government’s policy in Scotland as a result?

Answer 7

Forced to abandon its policy in Scotland to use the military against its own people

Question 8

What did both rebellions not attmept to do against the government?

Answer 8

Overthrow the government but instead to change government policy

Question 9

In 1549 what would happen to a local protestant sympathiser?

Answer 9

They would be attacked and later murdered at Heston