The Lancashire Witches | Page 3

of so many sacred
structures--the destruction of shrines and images long regarded with
veneration--the ejection of so many ecclesiastics, renowned for
hospitality and revered for piety and learning--the violence and rapacity
of the commissioners appointed by the Vicar-General Cromwell to
carry out these severe measures--all these outrages were regarded by
the people with abhorrence, and disposed them to aid the sufferers in
resistance. As yet the wealthier monasteries in the north had been
spared, and it was to preserve them from the greedy hands of the
visiters, Doctors Lee and Layton, that the insurrection had been
undertaken. A simultaneous rising took place in Lincolnshire, headed
by Makarel, Abbot of Barlings, but it was speedily quelled by the
vigour and skill of the Duke of Suffolk, and its leader executed. But the
northern outbreak was better organized, and of greater force, for it now
numbered thirty thousand men, under the command of a skilful and
resolute leader named Robert Aske.
As may be supposed, the priesthood were main movers in a revolt
having their especial benefit for its aim; and many of them, following
the example of the Abbot of Barlings, clothed themselves in steel
instead of woollen garments, and girded on the sword and the
breastplate for the redress of their grievances and the maintenance of
their rights. Amongst these were the Abbots of Jervaux, Furness,
Fountains, Rivaulx, and Salley, and, lastly, the Abbot of Whalley,
before mentioned; a fiery and energetic prelate, who had ever been
constant and determined in his opposition to the aggressive measures of
the king. Such was the Pilgrimage of Grace, such its design, and such
its supporters.
Several large towns had already fallen into the hands of the insurgents.
York, Hull, and Pontefract had yielded; Skipton Castle was besieged,
and defended by the Earl of Cumberland; and battle was offered to the
Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Shrewsbury, who headed the king's

forces at Doncaster. But the object of the Royalist leaders was to
temporise, and an armistice was offered to the rebels and accepted.
Terms were next proposed and debated.
During the continuance of this armistice all hostilities ceased; but
beacons were reared upon the mountains, and their fires were to be
taken as a new summons to arms. This signal the eight watchers
expected.
Though late in November, the day had been unusually fine, and, in
consequence, the whole hilly ranges around were clearly discernible,
but now the shades of evening were fast drawing on.
"Night is approaching," cried the tall man in the velvet mantle,
impatiently; "and still the signal comes not. Wherefore this delay? Can
Norfolk have accepted our conditions? Impossible. The last messenger
from our camp at Scawsby Lees brought word that the duke's sole
terms would be the king's pardon to the whole insurgent army, provided
they at once dispersed--except ten persons, six named and four
unnamed."
"And were you amongst those named, lord abbot?" demanded one of
the monks.
"John Paslew, Abbot of Whalley, it was said, headed the list," replied
the other, with a bitter smile. "Next came William Trafford, Abbot of
Salley. Next Adam Sudbury, Abbot of Jervaux. Then our leader, Robert
Aske. Then John Eastgate, Monk of Whalley--"
"How, lord abbot!" exclaimed the monk. "Was my name mentioned?"
"It was," rejoined the abbot. "And that of William Haydocke, also
Monk of Whalley, closed the list."
"The unrelenting tyrant!" muttered the other monk. "But these terms
could not be accepted?"
"Assuredly not," replied Paslew; "they were rejected with scorn. But

the negotiations were continued by Sir Ralph Ellerker and Sir Robert
Bowas, who were to claim on our part a free pardon for all; the
establishment of a Parliament and courts of justice at York; the
restoration of the Princess Mary to the succession; the Pope to his
jurisdiction; and our brethren to their houses. But such conditions will
never be granted. With my consent no armistice should have been
agreed to. We are sure to lose by the delay. But I was overruled by the
Archbishop of York and the Lord Darcy. Their voices prevailed against
the Abbot of Whalley--or, if it please you, the Earl of Poverty."
"It is the assumption of that derisive title which has drawn upon you the
full force of the king's resentment, lord abbot," observed Father
Eastgate.
"It may be," replied the abbot. "I took it in mockery of Cromwell and
the ecclesiastical commissioners, and I rejoice that they have felt the
sting. The Abbot of Barlings called himself Captain Cobbler, because,
as he affirmed, the state wanted mending like old shoon. And is not my
title equally well chosen? Is not the Church smitten with poverty? Have
not ten thousand of our brethren been driven from their homes to beg or
to starve? Have not the houseless