BattlefieldsPilgrimage of Grace — Doncaster Confrontation (First, 1536 AD)
Tudor

Pilgrimage of Grace — Doncaster Confrontation (First, 1536 AD)

1536
West Riding, England
Also known as: First Doncaster Bridge confrontation 1536 · Pilgrimage standoff at Don
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Crown (tactical withdrawal)
Forces
Duke Norfolk c.5,000–8,000 at Doncaster.
VS
Victor
Pilgrims (negotiations)
Forces
Pilgrims c.30,000+
Outcome
Royal army under Norfolk faced 30,000 Pilgrims; negotiations opened; pardon offered
The Battle

History & Significance

The Duke of Norfolk faced the enormous Pilgrim host — perhaps 30,000 men — across the Don at Doncaster. He was hopelessly outnumbered. Rather than fight, Norfolk negotiated and offered a general pardon and promise of a parliament in the north. The Pilgrims dispersed. Henry VIII had no intention of keeping his promises; the subsequent small rebellions gave him the pretext to exact revenge. The confrontation was the moment when the Pilgrimage achieved its maximum power.

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