BattlefieldsPrayer Book Rebellion — Siege of Exeter 1549
Tudor

Prayer Book Rebellion — Siege of Exeter 1549

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Western rebels
Forces
Prayer Book rebels c.8,000–12,000.
VS
Victor
Crown (Lord Russell)
Forces
Lord Russell c.5,000–8,000
Outcome
Rebels besieged Exeter for six weeks; city held out under Mayor Blackaller; Russell's army raised the siege after Clyst Heath and Clyst St Mary
The Battle

History & Significance

The six-week siege of Exeter was the centrepiece of the Prayer Book Rebellion. The men of Devon and Cornwall refused the new Protestant Prayer Book of 1549, calling it 'a Christmas game', and assembled an army of 6,000–8,000. The city held out heroically. Lord Russell, sent to relieve it, faced a series of engagements along the Exe valley before finally breaking through. The rebellion was the most serious threat to Protector Somerset's regime and helped cause his fall.

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