Newton Rebels 1607

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Rebellion at Newton - 40 dead!

In 1607, Halley's Comet was seen in England, a portent that perhaps held significance for the small Northamptonshire hamlet of Newton, where in common with many places in the East Midlands, the local landowner was enclosing the common land and tearing the peasants from their homes and occupations.

Trouble had been brewing for some time and there are reports of gatherings of 3000 people at Hillmorton, Warwickshire; of 5000 at Cotesbach, Leicestershire and others at Rushton, Pytchley and Haselbech.

On the 30th May 1607, King James I issued a royal proclamation to the authorities, ordering the suppression of these gatherings. In June 1607, over 40 people were killed in Newton by an army raised by the local landowners, the Treshams, whilst trying to protest against the enclosure of common land.

A local community history group has been formed, The Newton Rebels, to raise awareness of what happened 400 years ago, to place it in its historical context nationally and locally, to develop a lasting memorial, and to help preserve what remains of the Tresham's dovecote, which is all that remains of their manor house at Newton. It is intended that the site of the Newton Rebellion will be identified more precisely, that it be marked, probably by Heritage orientation boards, and a commemorative memorial such as a stone or wayside cross in a significant position, such as St Faith's Church, Newton .

This website is part of the campaign to help raise awareness: a more detailed account of the events can be found on the History page; details of events being held to commemorate the rebellion and massacre will be found on the News page. Pictures, Maps and other documentation are shown on the Gallery page, whilst the Links page points you to other relevant resources.