The official site of the Prime Minister’s Office
E-Petitions
- Petitions home
- View petitions
- Create a petition
- About e-petitions
- Step-by-Step Guide
- FAQs
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to recognise the Cornish Genocide of 1549. More details
Submitted by John Gillingham – Deadline to sign up by: 01 February 2008 – Signatures: 58
More details from petition creator
In 1549 Cornwall rose against the Reformation and the imposition of the Church of England and its new prayer book - a change from the ways of the Roman Catholic church to those of Protestantism.
The Prayer Book Rebellion was a refusal to have English read in church. Cornwall existed with three languages - Latin in church, Cornish outside church and English when you were talking to visitors from up country.
So in 1549 they crossed the Tamar, beseiging Exeter and fighting a series of Britains most bloody battles with the King's forces in England.
In one instance, 900 unarmed bound and gagged Cornish soldiers were slaughtered in just ten minutes by the troops of Edward VI.
In another instance around a thousand surrounded rebels were burned alive when the English set fire to the village of Clyst St Mary.
The surviving few were driven back into Cornwall where thousands were hanged or otherwise slaughtered.
It is estimated that 11% of the population of Cornwall was slaughtered.
Current signatories
John Gillingham, the Petition Creator, joined by:
- Mike Pleasants
- Michael John Chappell
- Dave French
- Sharon Douglas
- steven rule
- Kira Hanson
- Barrie Jones
- Paul Glynn
- Mark Gamon
- Paul Harris
- Philip Hosking
- Nigel Hicks
- Colin R oberts
- Roger Curnow
- David Platt
- Gary Penberthy
- Terry Kite
- Iain Telfer
- Trish Roberts
- Andrew R Yeates
- Brendan Mullan
- Patrick Gallagher
- MELANIE
- Kate Spear
- Jerry Rogers
- Andy Osborne
- Garry Sawdy
- E. George
- J. Gilbert
- joanie willett
- Aitken Bevan
- Jon Mills
- Horace John Holden
- belinda sandey
- andras lucan
- Angela Chappell
- Jeremy Evans
- James Polglase
- Carasek Davey
- Rich Owen
- Paddy Trembath
- anthony miners
- David Trethewey
- Michaela Penwarden
- terry workman
- How appalling!
- Peter McDonnell
- Joseph Booker
- Cecilia Castillo
- Brendan Sheerin
- Roger Aubrey
- Martin Stuthridge
- nicola burns
- Greta Kendall
- Michael Skinner
- Abdullah Rhodes-Taylor
- steve ligertwood
