Saint Andrew's Church - 3
The use of the first English Prayer Book of 1549 on Whit Sunday 1549 marked the beginning of the Prayer Book Rebellion of that year, which started in Sampford Courtenay. On Whit Monday the parishioners forced the Priest to go back to the old Latin Mass, contrary to the commands of the King's Council. This caused trouble with the magistrates and in the ensuing argument, one Wiliam Hellyons was killed on the steps of the Church House.
A map, from the Prayer Book Rebellion display in the church, showing the movement of the troops
There was then no going back and the men of Sampford Courtenay joined the men of Cornwall and, gathering thousands of supporters in Devon, marched upon Exeter which they besieged for six weeks. The last battle was fought in this village on August 17th 1549 and the rebellion came to an end with trials and executions.
A panel from the display in the church showing the main events in the rebellion.
The 15th Century Church rooms, on the steps of which William Hellyons was killed in 1549.
Banner of the five wounds
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www.sampfordcourtenay.org.uk