BattlefieldsWyatt Rebellion — Maidstone Muster January 1554
Tudor

Wyatt Rebellion — Maidstone Muster January 1554

1554
Kent, England
Also known as: Wyatt at Maidstone 1554 · Wyatt launches rebellion from Maidstone
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Marian government (local)
Forces
local crown forces c.500–800.
VS
Victor
Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger
Forces
Wyatt's muster c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Wyatt raises standard; several thousand Kentishmen rally; rebellion formally launched
The Battle

History & Significance

Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger raised his rebellion at Maidstone in January 1554 against the projected Spanish marriage of Queen Mary I. Several thousand Kentishmen rallied — including significant gentry support — motivated by Protestant sentiment and fear of Spanish domination. The rebellion drew on the deep tradition of Kentish popular resistance dating back to Wat Tyler and Jack Cade. Wyatt captured Cooling Castle (whose constable was Sir Thomas Cobham, who joined him) and established Maidstone as his operational centre.

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