Robert Aske

Robert Aske (c. 1500–1537) was a Yorkshire barrister who led the Pilgrimage of Grace, the rising of 1536 against Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. Returning from London when rebellion broke out, he took up the rebels' cause as it spread across the northern counties. As chief captain he led nine thousand insurgents who occupied York and restored expelled monks and nuns.

In November he negotiated with the Duke of Norfolk and went to London, where the king promised redress. When fighting resumed, Henry had him seized; Aske was convicted of treason and executed at York on 12 July 1537.