Revolt of the Peasantry 1549 (Routledge Library Editions: Political Protest) - Softcover

Cornwall, Julian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1032043857 ISBN 13: 9781032043852

Publisher: Routledge, 2023

Synopsis

This book, first published in 1977, looks at the two peasant revolts that occurred in 1549, in the troubled period following the death of Henry VIII. The uprisings reveal a harsh background of economic and social injustice, intensified at the time by inflation. Peasants in North Devon rose against the imposition of the English Prayer Book, and with the local authorities paralysed and the government wavering between conciliation and repression, a general rebellion broke out. Reinforced by Cornishmen, rallying to the defence of their national identity, the peasants assembled a formidable army and laid siege to Exeter itself. Only after three major battles was the revolt suppressed. The Norfolk peasants rose against agrarian abuses, routing a small royal force and occupying Norwich. Ably led by Robert Kett, they expelled the gentry and governed the county on a programme of social justice until they were crushed by the forces released by the collapse of the other risings. These revolts display the deep-seated resentments and injustices felt by the peasantry of the sixteenth century.

About this title

About the Author

Julian Cornwall

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1032043857
• ISBN 13: 9781032043852
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 268