Cornish Rebellion

What event meant that H7 had to raise the tax that prompted the Cornish rebellion (also indicates a different rebellion was more serious than this one)?

In 1497, Parliament voted for a tax to finance the campaign against James IV and Perkin Warbeck in Scotland

Why did the Cornish refuse to pay the tax? (geography)

Far from Scotland so felt the conflict there didn’t affect them

Why was Cornwall unable to pay the tax?

Was extremely poor, especially as mining production had dropped by 50%

Why was Cornwall unwilling to pay the tax? (H7)

Many had gripes with H7 - had been loyal to him during the Breton crisis but weren’t recognised for it, H7 had tried to impose new rules about tin mining against the wishes of the miners who resented the interference

Why was Cornwall unwilling to pay the tax? (regionalism)

Saw themselves as separate from the rest of England - had their own language, own rules to a certain extent created through the stannery. H7 infringing on these rights after Edward I had agreed Cornwall had a right not to pay certain taxes

Who led the Cornish rebellion at the beginning?

Joseph an Gof and Thomas Flammock

Where did the rebels set off from and when?

Bodmin, May 1497

Which member of the gentry later became leader of the rebellion? Why was he willing to support them?

Lord Audley, was poor and annoyed with H7 as he felt he hadn’t been rewarded for his loyalty to H7 in Brittany

What kind of support did the rebels get in Devon vs Somerset?

Received minimal support in Devon but gained more support in Somerset incl their gentry leader Lord Audley

How many members did the rebellion have by the time it reached Guildford?

15,000

Compared to the rebels’ 15,000, how many men did the King’s army when the rebels first arrived? Why weren’t there more men?

8,000, some troops had been sent north to deal with the threat from Scot

How big was the king’s army by the time the rebels reached London?

25,000

How many rebels deserted once in London, why?

5,000. Feared the guns on the Thames at Deptford where they would be crossing, some were willing to negotiate rather than fight

Why were the rebels not as strong as the king’s army in the Battle of Blackheath?

Were effectively leaderless, King’s troops implemented a pincer movement to ensure a swift victory

How many rebels were killed at the Battle of Blackheath?

1,000

What happened to the surviving rebels after the battle?

Some were taken prisoner but many just fled

What happened to the leaders of the rebellion?

Were executed including Joseph an Gof and Lord Audley

When was the Battle of Blackheath?

17th June 1497

What disturbing fact did the rebellion reveal to H7?

The rebels had been able to march from Bodmin to Blackheath, just outside London, without anyone challenging them. Showed H he couldn’t rely on nobles/gentry to put down dissent

Which areas were fined following the rebellion?

Cornwall, Devon (even though they didn’t really support the rebellion), parts of Somerste

How much were the rebelling counties fined overall?

£15,000

What did Henry do with the body parts of the executed rebels?

Cancelled the order for them to be displayed in Cornwall as he feared that would only cause more opposition

What was Warbeck’s role in the Cornish rebellion?

Landed in Cornwall 11 weeks late, proclaimed himself Richard IV at Bodmin. However, when Warbeck heard that the King’s scouts were at Glastonbury he deserted his army and fled. Was arrested and surrendered.

Which areas did the rebellion fail to attract the support of?

Devon, Kent when they got closer to London

Which two types of people joined the rebellion, suggesting it was serious?

Gentry and clergy

What was one political complaint that the rebels had?

Disliked Morton and Bray, two of the King’s advisors

What makes the Cornish rebellion distinct from any other Tudor rebellion?

The distance they marched (Cornwall to London) was further than any other Tudor rebellion

What about the Royal Family’s reaction suggests the rebellion was serious?

Royal Family went into hiding at Westminster Abbey

What was Henry’s personal role in combatting the rebellion?

Went to the field of battle to command his troops

What was London’s response to the rebels?

They stayed loyal to the King