John Russell Biography and Timeline

Lord Chancellor

Appointed Chancellor of England

Parliament

Opens Parliament with a speech supporting Richard IIIs confirmation as Protector

Lord Privy Seal

Takes office as Lord Privy Seal, becoming one of the senior officers of Henry VIII's government.

Role range: 1542-1555

Battle of Fenny Bridges

Russell's forces fight the rebels at Fenny Bridges during the difficult advance toward Exeter and the main western rebel army.

Role range: 1549

Royal Force Sent against Western Rising

Lord Russell leads a royal army westward to relieve Exeter and suppress the rebellion after local authorities fail to restore control.

Role range: 1549

Battle of Woodbury Common

Royal troops defeat a rebel position on Woodbury Common, opening the route for further operations against the siege of Exeter.

Role range: 1549

Battle of Clyst St Mary

Russell's army defeats western rebels at Clyst St Mary during the campaign to break resistance around Exeter.

Role range: 1549

Western Rising Defeated at Sampford Courtenay

Royal forces defeat the remaining organised western rebels at Sampford Courtenay, ending the principal military phase of the Prayer Book rising.

Role range: 1549

Boulogne Surrender Settlement

Negotiates the return of Boulogne to France within the agreed period in exchange for a substantial French payment.

Role range: 1542-1555