The Gear Rout facts for kids
The Gear Rout was a rebellion in Cornwall in 1648. It happened right after the English Civil War ended. About 500 Cornish rebels took part, fighting for the King (the Royalist side) against the Parliament's army, led by Sir Hardress Waller.
Before this, Cornish people had fought for the King during the English Civil War. They were defending their home, Cornwall, against the Parliament's army, called the New Model Army. Many Cornish people felt they were fighting for their freedom against the English Parliament. However, the King's side, and the Cornish, lost the war.
Why the Gear Rout Happened
After the English Civil War finished, new taxes were put in place. These taxes were meant to pay for the army and military bases. But many people in Cornwall were unhappy about these new taxes. They decided to rebel and fight back.
The Start of the Rebellion
On May 16, 1648, a sad event happened in Penzance: 70 Cornish people who supported the King were killed. This made the people of Mullion very angry. They gathered 120 men and started marching.
They walked to Goonhilly Downs and then to St Keverne and Mawgan. Along the way, they gathered more people, ending up with about 300 foot soldiers and 40 horsemen.
The Battle and Defeat
The Cornish rebels soon faced the Parliament's army, led by Sir Hardress Waller. A battle took place near a place called Gear Camp. This camp was an old fort from the Celtic Iron Age that looked over the Helford River.
In the end, the Cornish forces were defeated by the Parliament's army. The Gear Rout rebellion was over.
See also
- William Scawen
- Braddock, Cornwall
- Cornwall in the English Civil War
