Bigod's rebellion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bigod's rebellion
Part of European wars of religion and the English Reformation
Date 16 January – 10 February 1537 Location Cumberland and Westmorland, England Result Royal victory; execution of many rebels
Belligerents
English Roman Catholics	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
Sir Francis Bigod  Lord Darcy  Lord Hussey	King Henry VIII
Casualties and losses
216 executed

Bigod's Rebellion was a short but important uprising in England in 1537. It happened in the northern parts of Cumberland and Westmorland. This rebellion was led by a man named Sir Francis Bigod.

The people who rebelled were English Roman Catholics. They were unhappy with King Henry VIII and the changes he was making. These changes were part of the English Reformation, which changed the official religion of England.

Why Did Bigod's Rebellion Start?

Unkept Promises After the Pilgrimage of Grace

Before Bigod's Rebellion, there was a much larger uprising called the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536. During that time, King Henry VIII made promises to the rebels. He said he would listen to their concerns and make things better.

However, many people felt the King had not kept his word. This made them feel angry and betrayed. Because of this, new unrest began to grow in early 1537.

Robert Aske's Warning

Robert Aske, who was a main leader of the Pilgrimage of Grace, tried to stop this new rebellion. He wrote a letter to the people, telling them not to join Sir Francis Bigod.

Aske reminded them that the King had offered a general pardon to everyone in the North. He also said the King planned to hold a parliament meeting in York. The King also intended to crown his new Queen there. Aske warned that Bigod's actions would ruin any chance of peace.

Sir Francis Bigod's Plans

Sir Francis Bigod was worried that the King would punish him and others. He decided to act quickly. He met with William Todde, a religious leader from Malton. Bigod showed Todde part of the King's pardon.

He also talked about how the King's actions might anger the Scots. Bigod then asked for a copy of the articles from Doncaster. These articles contained the demands made during the Pilgrimage of Grace.

The Rebellion Begins

Bigod's Attack on Towns

Sir Francis Bigod started his rebellion on January 16, 1537. He worked with his tenant, John Hallam. Hallam was a farmer from Watton.

Bigod tried to get more people to join him, but he didn't get much support. Neither the rich lords nor the common people joined his cause.

Failed Attacks and Capture

Bigod had a plan for George Lumley to take over Scarborough Castle. This attack failed completely on January 16. Bigod's own attack on Kingston upon Hull on January 19 also failed.

Most of his men were captured early in the morning at Beverley, Yorkshire. Bigod managed to escape and fled to Mulgrave. From there, he went to Cumberland. He was finally captured on February 10 and taken to Carlisle Castle.

What Happened After the Rebellion?

Arrests and Punishments

After the rebellion was defeated, King Henry VIII ordered many arrests. Sir Francis Bigod was arrested, along with Robert Aske. Other important leaders were also captured. These included Lord Darcy and Lord Hussey.

All these leaders were found guilty of acting against the King. During 1537, many people involved in the rebellion faced severe punishments.

The Fate of the Rebels

Sir Francis Bigod was put to death in London. Lord Darcy and Lord Hussey also lost their lives. Thomas Moigne, who was a member of Parliament, was also punished severely.

In total, 216 people were put to death because of the rebellion. This included several lords and knights. Six abbots, 38 monks, and sixteen local priests also faced severe consequences. Sir John Bulmer was put to death, and his wife, Margaret Stafford, also lost her life. Later, in 1538, Sir Edward Neville was also put to death.