Cornish Rebellion, 1497

When did the Cornish Rebellion begin?

May 1497

What was the main cause of the Cornish Rebellion?

High taxation to fund the military campaigns in Scotland.

Where did the rebels march to and who led them?

They marched to Somerset led by Michael Joseph the Blacksmith and Thomas Flamank.

What member of the gentry supported the rebellion and why?

Lord Audley

The gentry of Somerset were generally unimpressed by the Tudor regime and also Audley wanted to claim greater influence by promoting Warbeck’s claim to be Richard of York as he would have been the new King’s brother-in-law.

Where and when did Henry VII defeat the insurgents?

He fought them at Blackheath on the 17 June 1497

What did Henry do to the ringleaders?

He executed the ringleaders and ordered investigations to fine the others who had taken part.

How was Henry still threatened even after their defeat at Blackheath?

In the south west the rebels had called on Warbeck to lead them and on the 7th September 1497 they attacked Exeter with 8,000 troops.

What else was Henry dealing with at the time which worsened the threat?

James IV was creating problems on the northern border so Henry was dealing with conflict on two fronts.

When were Warbeck’s troops finally defeated?

After two weeks of fighting