Prayer Book Rebellion

Prayer Book Rebellion
Part of European wars of religion
and the English Reformation

Memorial plaque in Sampford Courtenay
Date6 June – 17 August, 1549
Location
Result

Victory for Edwardian forces

  • Rebellion suppressed
  • Execution of rebel commanders
Belligerents
Southwestern Catholics  Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
Sir Humphrey Arundell  Executed
John Winslade  Executed
John Bury  Executed
Robert Welch, Vicar of St Thomas, Exeter  Executed
England Edward VI
England Edward Seymour
England John Russell
England Anthony Kingston
England William Francis
Strength
~7,000 rebels ~8,600 troops
Casualties and losses
At least 2,000 killed
Unknown wounded
At least 300 killed
Unknown wounded
~5,500 deaths

The Prayer Book Rebellion or Western Rising[1] was a popular revolt in Cornwall and Devon in 1549. In that year, the first Book of Common Prayer, presenting the theology of the English Reformation, was introduced. The change was widely unpopular, particularly in areas where firm Catholic religious loyalty (even after the Act of Supremacy in 1534) still existed, such as Lancashire.[2] Along with poor economic conditions, the enforcement of the English language led to an explosion of anger in Cornwall and Devon, initiating an uprising. In response, Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset sent John Russell to suppress the revolt, with the rebels being defeated and its leaders executed two months after the beginning of hostilities.

  1. ^ The words "rebellion", "revolt" and "rising" are used interchangeably, hence Prayer Book Revolt, Prayer Book Rising, Western Rebellion, etc.; in Cornish: Rebellyans an Lyver Pejadow Kebmyn.
  2. ^ "The Reformation: Lancashire". historyofparliamentonline.org. The Crown. Retrieved 15 November 2016.