It was headed by Dr.Mackrel, prior of Barlings, who was disguised like a mean mechanic, and who bore the name of Captain Cobler.

This tumultuary army amounted to above twenty thousand men;[**] but notwithstanding their number, they showed little disposition of proceeding to extremities against the king, and seemed still overawed by his authority.
* Burnet, vol.i.p.

223.
** Burnet, vol.i.p.

227.

Herbert.
They acknowledged him to be supreme head of the church of England; but they complained of suppressing the monasteries, of evil counsellors, of persons meanly born raised to dignity, of the danger to which the jewels and plate of their parochial churches were exposed; and they prayed the king to consult the nobility of the realm concerning the redress of these grievances.[*] Henry was little disposed to entertain apprehensions of danger, especially from a low multitude whom he despised.