Bishopsgate mutiny facts for kids
The Bishopsgate mutiny was an event in April 1649 when some soldiers of the New Model Army refused to follow orders. These soldiers, from Colonel Edward Whalley's group, were told to leave London but they would not go. At the end of this mutiny, one soldier named Robert Lockyer, who supported a group called the Levellers, was put to death by a firing squad.
Why the Mutiny Happened
In January 1649, King Charles I of England was put on trial and then put to death because people believed he was acting against their wishes. After this, in February, the senior officers of the New Model Army, called the Grandees, made a rule. They said soldiers were not allowed to send formal requests, called petitions, to Parliament.
This rule made many soldiers unhappy. In March, eight soldiers who were Levellers went to the army's leader, Lord Thomas Fairfax. They asked for the right to petition to be given back to the soldiers. Five of these soldiers were then kicked out of the army.
Around the same time, about 300 foot soldiers from Colonel John Hewson's group also spoke up. They said they would not go to fight in Ireland until the Levellers' ideas for a fairer society were put into action. These soldiers were kicked out of the army without getting the pay they were owed. This was a strong warning, similar to what happened during the Corkbush Field mutiny.
The Bishopsgate Stand-Off
Soldiers from Colonel Edward Whalley's group were staying in Bishopsgate, a part of London. They also started making similar demands, just like the other soldiers. Because of this, they were ordered to leave London.
However, the soldiers refused to go. They were worried that once they were outside the city, they would be forced to choose: either obey the orders or be kicked out of the army without their pay.
The mutiny ended when Lord Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, another important army leader, personally spoke to the soldiers. After their appeal, the soldiers gave up. Fifteen soldiers were arrested and faced a military trial. Six of them were sentenced to death. Five of these soldiers were later pardoned, meaning they were forgiven.
The Fate of Robert Lockyer
However, Robert Lockyer was not pardoned. He was a former Agitator, which meant he was a representative for the soldiers in his group. On April 27, 1649, Robert Lockyer was put to death by a firing squad. This happened in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
Lockyer's funeral was a very large event, much like the funeral of Colonel Thomas Rainsborough the year before. Thousands of people attended, showing their support for the Levellers. They wore sea-green ribbons, which were the Levellers' symbol, and put bunches of rosemary in their hats to remember him.
Also See
- The English Civil War
- The Banbury mutiny 17 May 1649.
