The Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536-1537, and the Exeter Conspiracy, 1538, Volume 1 (of 2)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

77706

Title

The Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536-1537, and the Exeter Conspiracy, 1538, Volume 1 (of 2)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This historical volume details the Pilgrimage of Grace (1536–1537) and the Exeter Conspiracy (1538), exploring the motivations behind the northern rebellion against Henry VIII. Through contemporary accounts and analysis of prophecies, the text examines the clash between religious conviction, social grievance, and royal authority, offering a nuanced look at a pivotal moment in English history.

Summary up to 500 words

Madeleine Hope Dodds and Ruth Dodds' *The Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536–1537, and the Exeter Conspiracy, 1538, Volume 1* offers a comprehensive examination of the northern uprising against King Henry VIII, grounded in primary sources such as letters, papers, and contemporary chronicles. The narrative begins in the summer of 1536, analyzing an atmosphere thick with rumors, prophecies, and social discontent that agitated the realm. The authors contrast the disciplined marchmen of the north with the riot-prone commons of the Lincolnshire fens, detailing how local feuds and lawlessness contributed to the unrest. A significant portion of the volume explores the role of folklore and prophecy in the rebellion. The authors analyze the 'Mouldwarp' prophecy, which predicted the rise of a sixth king, and the rebels' own predictions regarding the end of the rising, interpreting these as reflections of the insurgents' hopes and fears. The text details the military movements of the rebellion, focusing on the convergence of rebel forces under Robert Aske and the Archbishop of York at Hampole. It highlights the rebels' strategic decision to refuse immediate engagement with the King's army, preferring instead to present their petition for redress of grievances. The authors portray the rebels not merely as insurgents but as loyal subjects seeking to amend their affairs and restore the old religion, while the King's government viewed them as traitors. The narrative also touches on the Exeter Conspiracy, noting the government's half-awareness of brewing discontent and the specific threats posed by northern lords. The book utilizes primary sources to reconstruct events leading up to the confrontation, portraying the precarious military situation as the two armies faced each other. The authors discuss the strategic decisions made by the King's cautious leadership, led by the Duke of Norfolk, who sought to avoid a decisive battle while securing the Trent line. The volume concludes with an analysis of the tense standoff, setting the stage for the eventual suppression of the rebellion, while emphasizing the complex interplay of religious conviction, social grievance, and political maneuvering that defined this pivotal moment in English history.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Great Britain