As the mists of time waft over the rugged landscapes of Cornwall, there emerges from history the tumultuous events of 1497: the Cornish Rebellion. It was an era when England stood on the cusp of great change, the tendrils of modernity slowly creeping upon the medieval world, with its ancient rights and customs. Cornwall, proud and fierce in its identity, found itself at odds with the crown, and from this discord arose rebellion.

The trigger for this uprising was largely economic in nature. King Henry VII, in an effort to bolster his finances and wage war against Scotland, had levied a series of heavy taxes upon the populace. Cornwall, already grappling with its own economic challenges, felt this taxation to be unjust, particularly since they believed their issues were distinct from those of the English and the Scots. The Cornish were also perturbed by the erosion of their ancient rights and their distinct Celtic identity. Hence, smouldering grievances ignited into open revolt.

The rebels mustered their forces at Bodmin, and their numbers swelled as they marched eastward. Leading them were notable figures like Michael An Gof, a blacksmith, and Thomas Flamank, a lawyer and the son of a Bodmin landowner. Together, they rallied the Cornishmen under a banner of protest against the king's oppressive taxation and the perceived erosion of their rights.

As they approached London, the rebels' ranks had grown to an estimated 15,000. Such numbers were testament to the deep-seated resentment many felt towards the crown's policies. Yet, despite their fervour, the Cornish rebels were to face a well-prepared royal force. The two armies met at the Battle of Deptford Bridge, also known as the Battle of Blackheath, on 17 June 1497.

The king's forces, commanded by Giles, Lord Daubeney, and well-equipped with both artillery and cavalry, greatly outmatched the rebels in terms of military prowess. Though the Cornish fought valiantly, their ranks were eventually broken. An Gof and Flamank were captured, and both leaders were subsequently executed in London, their deaths intended as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying the crown.

In the aftermath, the rebellion's spirit was crushed but not entirely quenched. King Henry VII, realising the depth of resentment, took steps to reconcile with the Cornish. He pardoned many of the rebels and importantly, refrained from imposing any more taxes on Cornwall for the remainder of his reign.

Yet, the 1497 Cornish Rebellion stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Cornwall, a region that, even in the face of overwhelming odds, dared to rise in defence of its identity and rights. In the annals of history, it serves as a reminder of the perils of governance that ignores the unique identities and grievances of its constituents.