The Oxfordshire Rising 1596

Due to food shortages, the West Country had a few minor disturbances in the 1580s, and in the 1590s the government was concerned that there might be a repeat of the 1549 ‘camping’ season. The potential unrest was not surprising in context with the state of the country. This was because there had been bad harvests, causing food shortages; disease; and high taxation due to the financing of the war with Spain, which had continued since the failed Armada of 1588. 

Leaders planned to seize the home of the local Lord Lieutenant, take his arms and artillery and march to London. But, despite careful preparation, only four rebels assembled and waited for two hours for others to join them. Instead they were arrested and taken to…