BattlefieldsWestern Rising — Exeter Water Gate and Exe Bridge Fighting 1549
Tudor

Western Rising — Exeter Water Gate and Exe Bridge Fighting 1549

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Western rebel host
Forces
Exeter garrison and citizenry under Mayor John Blackaller
VS
Victor
Exeter garrison and English crown forces
Forces
Western rebel host of 6,000-10,000 men
Outcome
City held against rebel assaults; rebels unable to take Exeter; garrison resisted until relieved by Russell in August 1549
The Battle

History & Significance

During the rebel siege of Exeter in summer 1549, the western rebels mounted several assaults on the city gates and the Exe Bridge. The Water Gate and South Gate were particular targets of rebel escalade attempts. The citizens of Exeter, though sympathetic in part to the religious grievances, held the walls against their Cornish and Devon neighbours. Street fighting briefly extended to the hospital area outside the walls.

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