In that year had arisen a formidable rebellion in the northern counties of England, the members of which, while engaging to respect the person of the king, Henry VIII., and his issue, bound themselves by solemn oath to accomplish the restoration of Papal supremacy throughout the realm, and the restitution of religious establishments and lands to their late ejected possessors.

They bound themselves, also, to punish the enemies of the Romish church, and suppress heresy.

From its religious character the insurrection assumed the name of the Pilgrimage of Grace, and numbered among its adherents all who had not embraced the new doctrines in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

That such an outbreak should occur on the suppression of the monasteries, was not marvellous.

The desecration and spoliation 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.