BattlefieldsWestern Rising — Clyst Heath Artillery Sub-Action 1549
Tudor

Western Rising — Clyst Heath Artillery Sub-Action 1549

1549
England
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Western rebels
Forces
Lord Russell with royal forces and artillery
VS
Victor
Lord Russell (Royal forces)
Forces
c.6,000 Western rebels
Outcome
Rebel camp on Clyst Heath broken by artillery and infantry assault; hundreds of rebels killed; survivors fled toward Exeter
The Battle

History & Significance

At Clyst Heath on 28 July 1549, Lord Russells forces deployed artillery against the western rebel camp for the first time in the campaign. The rebel position on the heath was enfiladed by ordnance fire including falconets brought up by royal forces, causing heavy casualties before the infantry assault. The artillery deployment at Clyst Heath was decisive in breaking the rebel defensive line and illustrated the military superiority of a professional force over a popular uprising.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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