What happened today in history?
What happened
today in history?
Dec 15
Back

The Flight of the Earl: Charles Neville's Escape in 1569

The Flight of the Earl: Charles Neville's Escape in 1569

The Rising of the North: A Rebellion Against Queen Elizabeth I

Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland

In 1569, a major rebellion known as The Rising of the North erupted in England, spearheaded by the discontented Catholic nobility, including Charles Neville, the Earl of Westmorland. Frustrated by the Protestant rule of Queen Elizabeth I, they sought to restore Catholicism to the English throne.

The Events Leading to the Rebellion

This rebellion was primarily triggered by the unpopular political dynamics of the time. The Earl of Westmorland and his cousin, Thomas Percy, the Earl of Northumberland, rallied support among English Catholics, calling for an uprising against the queen’s government.

The Escape of Charles Neville

Fleeing to Scotland

After the rebellion was quashed, Charles Neville found himself in grave danger. With Queen Elizabeth I branding him a traitor for his role in the uprising, he had to escape to avoid capture. This led him to cross the border into Scotland, where he would seek refuge.

The Aftermath of the Rebellion

Although Neville managed to flee, the consequences of the rebellion were severe. Many of his supporters were executed, and both he and Percy were never able to return to England legally. The uprising ultimately solidified Queen Elizabeth I's power, with the rebel leaders like Neville living in exile.

Fun Fact

Charles Neville's Interesting Fact

Despite being a prominent figure in the rebellion, Charles Neville lived the remainder of his life in relative obscurity in Europe, dying in an unknown location while still in exile.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Charles Neville

To dive deeper into this fascinating historical event, check out The Last of the Barons by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, which captures the turbulent times of the late 16th century.

Another intriguing book is Mary, Queen of Scots: A Historical Novel by Antonia Fraser, providing context around the political landscape of that period.