BattlefieldsWestern Rising — Rebel Siege of Exeter 1549
Tudor

Western Rising — Rebel Siege of Exeter 1549

1549
Devon, England
Also known as: Prayer Book rebels besiege Exeter 1549 · Siege of Exeter Western Rising
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Western rebels
Forces
Exeter garrison under Mayor Blackaller
VS
Victor
Crown (Lord Russell)
Forces
Rebel host c.7,000-10,000
Outcome
Western rebel host besieged Exeter for c.five weeks; city held under Mayor John Blackaller; Russell relieved city after defeating rebels at Clyst
The Battle

History & Significance

The siege of Exeter was the central military act of the Western Rising. The rebel host of Cornish and Devon men invested the city from late June to early August 1549. The siege failed because Exeter city government remained loyal despite the Protestant Prayer Book they were defending being unpopular. Russell relief of the city with German and Italian mercenaries broke the rebellion military coherence.

Casualties & Losses

Several hundred during siege period

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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