Prayer Book Rebellion

Prayer Book Rebellion
Part of European wars of religion and the English Reformation
Memorial plaque in Sampford Courtenay
Date 6 June – 17 August, 1549 Location Cornwall and Devon Result Victory for Edwardian forces rebellion suppressed execution of rebel commanders
Belligerents
Southwestern Catholics	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
Sir Humphrey Arundell   John Winslade   John Bury   Robert Welch, Vicar of St Thomas, Exeter	Edward VI Edward Seymour John Russell Anthony Kingston 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.