BattlefieldsPilgrimage of Grace — Pontefract Execution Series 1537
Tudor

Pilgrimage of Grace — Pontefract Execution Series 1537

1537
West Yorkshire, England
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
West Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Pilgrimage of Grace rebel leaders
Forces
condemned Pilgrimage rebel leaders
VS
Victor
Royal justices / Henry VIII
Forces
Royal justices
Outcome
Lord Darcy and numerous rebel leaders executed; Pontefract estates forfeited to the crown; region pacified by exemplary justice
The Battle

History & Significance

Following the collapse of Bigods revolt in early 1537, Pontefract became a centre of royal retribution. Lord Darcy was among those executed, tried for treason and beheaded on Tower Hill but his forfeited lands centred on Pontefract. Local trials and executions of lesser rebels were carried out in and around Pontefract as Henry VIII made an example of the region that had defied him.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around West Yorkshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near West Yorkshire