Prayer Book Rebellion

Quick Facts: Who was Prayer Book Rebellion?

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Prayer Book Rebellion

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A 1549 popular revolt in Cornwall and Devon against religious change.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Prayer Book Rebellion or Western Rising 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. The enforcement of English-language (as opposed to Latin) church services in Cornish-speaking areas also provoked discontent. Coupled with poor economic conditions, this led to an explosion of anger in Cornwall and Devon, initiating an uprising.

Career & Major Achievements

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. Up to 5,500 men were killed, mainly Cornish and Devonian Catholics. One probable cause of the Prayer Book Rebellion was the religious changes recently implemented by the government of the new king, Edward VI. In the late 1540s, Somerset, on behalf of the young king, introduced a range of legislative measures as an extension of the English Reformation in England and Wales, with the primary aim of changing theology and practices, particularly in areas of traditionally Catholic religious loyalty – for example, in Cornwall and Devon. When traditional religious processions and pilgrimages were banned, commissioners were sent out to remove all symbols of Catholicism, in line with Thomas Cranmer's religious policies favouring Protestantism ever more.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In Cornwall, this task was given to William Body, whose perceived desecration of religious shrines led to his murder on 5 April 1548 by William Kylter and Pascoe Trevian at Helston. This pressure on the lower classes was compounded by the recent poll tax on sheep. This would have affected the region significantly, with the West Country being an area of sheep farming. Rumours circulating that the tax would be extended to other livestock might have increased the discontent. A damaged social structure then meant this local uprising was not sufficiently dealt with by nearby landowners.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1534: 1534 Milestone — 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. 1548: 1548 Milestone — In Cornwall, this task was given to William Body, whose perceived desecration of religious shrines led to his murder on 5 April 1548 by William Kylter and Pascoe Trevian at Helston.
3. 1549: 1549 Milestone — The Prayer Book Rebellion or Western Rising was a popular revolt in Cornwall and Devon in 1549.

Notable Quotes by Prayer Book Rebellion

“Kill all the gentlemen and we will have the Six Articles up”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Prayer Book Rebellion

True or False: “The Prayer Book Rebellion was primarily caused by economic hardship related to the poll tax on sheep.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While poor economic conditions compounded the unrest, the immediate catalyst was the enforcement of the English-language Book of Common Prayer.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmad al-Mansur — Historical peer (Born in 1549) (1549): Saadi Sultan of Morocco, known as 'the Golden' for his influence in the 16th century.
• Miyoshi Yoshitsugu — Historical peer (Born in 1549) (1549): Samurai daimyō of the Sengoku period; last head of the Miyoshi clan.
• Antonio da Correggio — Historical peer (Died in 1534) (1534): Master of the Parma School, known for sensuous, dynamic High Renaissance painting.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu — Historical peer (Died in 1534) (1534): Founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, known for bhajan-kirtan and devotion to Krishna.
• Giordano Bruno — Historical peer (Born in 1548) (1548): Italian philosopher known for cosmic pluralism and infinite universe theories.
• Gonzalo Pizarro — Historical peer (Died in 1548) (1548): Spanish conquistador, brother of Francisco Pizarro, key figure in the conquest of the Inca Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prayer Book Rebellion