Corkbush Field facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corkbush Field |
|
|---|---|
 Corkbush Field
|
|
| Population | 18,000 |
| OS grid reference | TL3450413276 |
| Civil parish |
|
| District |
|
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Police | Hertfordshire |
| Fire | Hertfordshire |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Corkbush Field is a piece of land in Hertfordshire, England. It is located to the east of the town of Hertford, near the road leading to Ware. This area lies between the River Lea valley, known as the King's Meads, and higher ground to the south called Barrow Green Common.
Sometimes, Corkbush Field was also called Cockbush Field. This happened because the letters 'r' and 'c' looked very similar in handwriting from the 1600s. This historic field is most famous for being the place where the Ware Mutiny happened on 15 November 1647. This event is also known as the Corkbush Field Mutiny.
Contents
What is Corkbush Field?
Corkbush Field is an open area of land in the English county of Hertfordshire. It sits close to the towns of Hertford and Ware. The field is bordered by the River Lea on one side and slightly higher land on the other. It has been an important part of the local landscape for centuries.
The Ware Mutiny of 1647
The most important event to happen at Corkbush Field was the Ware Mutiny in 1647. A mutiny is when soldiers refuse to follow orders from their leaders. This particular mutiny happened during a time of great change in England, right after the English Civil War.
Why Did the Mutiny Happen?
The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a fight between the King and Parliament. After the war, many soldiers in the Parliament's army, called the New Model Army, felt unhappy. They believed they were not being treated fairly. They also wanted more say in how the country was run.
A group called the Levellers was very popular among these soldiers. The Levellers wanted more rights for ordinary people. They believed everyone should have a vote, not just rich landowners. They also wanted fairer laws and a new constitution for England.
What Happened at Corkbush Field?
On 15 November 1647, a large meeting of the New Model Army took place at Corkbush Field. Many soldiers came, expecting their demands for better rights and a new government to be heard. Some soldiers even wore papers in their hats with the words "England's Freedom, Soldiers' Rights."
However, the army leaders, like Oliver Cromwell, did not agree with all the soldiers' demands. They wanted to keep control and feared the army would fall apart. When some regiments refused to follow orders, Cromwell acted quickly. He ordered the arrest of the leaders of the mutiny.
Results of the Mutiny
The mutiny at Corkbush Field was quickly put down. Some soldiers were arrested, and a few were even sentenced to death as a warning to others. One soldier, Richard Arnold, was executed on the spot. This event showed that the army leaders would not allow soldiers to challenge their authority.
The Ware Mutiny was a key moment in English history. It showed the deep disagreements within the army and the country about how England should be governed after the Civil War. It also highlighted the growing power of groups like the Levellers.
See also
- Corkbush Field Mutiny
- Ware, Hertfordshire
- English Civil War
