BattlefieldsWyatt Rebellion — Southwark Action 1554
Tudor

Wyatt Rebellion — Southwark Action 1554

1554
Surrey, England
Also known as: Wyatt at Southwark 1554 · Rebels reach London Bridge 1554
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Surrey, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Sir Thomas Wyatt (rebels)
Forces
Crown London garrison c.2,000–3,000.
VS
Victor
Crown (London held)
Forces
Wyatt rebels c.3,000–4,000
Outcome
Wyatt reached Southwark but London Bridge gates were closed; rebel army began to disintegrate
The Battle

History & Significance

Wyatt's rebel army reached Southwark on 3 February 1554, having marched from Rochester via Gravesend. London Bridge gates were shut against him. Wyatt could not cross and the army camped in Southwark overnight. The following day he marched upriver to Kingston, crossed the Thames, and approached London from the west through Knightsbridge. His force had dwindled to perhaps 500 by the time he reached Ludgate Hill, where he was captured. Mary's refusal to flee London had proved decisive — the city held firm.

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