york00orns

264 YORK.
not over, and that he greatly feared that things would
even yet come to a bloody end.
The rebellion was, in fact, far from being extinguished.
It was true that most of the leaders who
went up to London had been persuaded to acquiesce
in the king's proceedings. But a bitter feeling of
exasperation at this existed amongst the clergy, which
was shared by no inconsiderable number of the laity.
Sporadic risings took place in the early months of
1537. Musters were made in Cleveland. Placards
were jiosted on the church doors and other public
places, and the people were led to believe that Norfolk,
who was coming down as the first president of
the Counc il of the North, was to be accompanied by
an overwhelming force, and was armed with full power
to execute all who were against the king from Doncaster
northwards.
Matters were further complicated by the rash action
of Sir Francis Bigod, of Mulgrave Castle, who, on his
own responsibility, without consultation with Lord
Darcy, Aske, or Constable, gathered a number of
people together and made them an inflammatory
harangue. His chief confederate was Hallam, who
was a retainer of Sir Robert Constable, but a man of
little note or importance. Sir George Lumley was
led to join them. He made an ineffectual attempt
to seize Scarborough. Hallam endeavoured to surprise
Hull, but was taken prisoner. Bigod obtained
possession of Beverley, but his proceedings were disclaimed
and denounced by the three great leaders of
the late insurrection; his followers lost heart and left
him ; and he also was captured by the king's troops.