BattlefieldsWestern Rising — Lord Russell March from London 1549
Tudor

Western Rising — Lord Russell March from London 1549

1549
Somerset, England
Also known as: Russell advance to Devon 1549 · Royal army march west 1549
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Somerset rebels attempting to join western host
VS
Victor
Crown (Russell)
Outcome
Lord Russell advanced from London through Somerset gathering forces; scattered rebel bands along his route
The Battle

History & Significance

Russell's march from London to relieve Exeter took weeks because of the difficulty of raising forces during a period of multiple simultaneous risings (Kett in Norfolk, risings in several midland counties). His slow advance gave the western rebels time to consolidate the siege of Exeter but also allowed him to gather German and Italian mercenaries who would prove decisive.

Forces Involved

Russell initially c.1,000; growing to c.6,000 with mercenaries

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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