BattlefieldsFurness Abbey Dissolution and Coerced Surrender 1537
Tudor

Furness Abbey Dissolution and Coerced Surrender 1537

1537
Lancashire, England
Also known as: Furness Abbey suppression 1537 · Abbot Roger Pele coerced surrender
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Lancashire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Furness Abbey community
VS
Victor
Crown (Henry VIII and Cromwell)
Outcome
Abbot Pele of Furness Abbey surrendered the house under heavy duress and threat of attainder for alleged participation in Pilgrimage of Grace
The Battle

History & Significance

Furness Abbey, the second wealthiest Cistercian house in England, was dissolved in April 1537 immediately after Bigod's revolt gave the Crown its pretext. The abbot was threatened with attainder and effectively coerced into surrendering. The dissolution of Furness with its enormous Lancashire and Cumbrian estates was a massive transfer of wealth and power that reshaped the northwest.

Forces Involved

Royal commissioners under threat of military force

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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