Editing Charing Cross (section)

===Battle===
In 1554, Charing Cross was the site of the final battle of [[Wyatt's Rebellion]]. This was an attempt by [[Thomas Wyatt the younger|Thomas Wyatt]] and others to overthrow Queen [[Mary I of England]], soon after her accession to the throne, and replace her with [[Lady Jane Grey]]. Wyatt's army had come from Kent, and with [[London Bridge]] barred to them, had crossed the river by what was then the next bridge upstream, at [[Hampton Court]]. Their circuitous route brought them down [[St Martin's Lane]] to Whitehall.<ref name="Old" />

The palace was defended by 1000 men under Sir [[John Gage (Tudor politician)|John Gage]] at Charing Cross; they retreated within Whitehall after firing their shot, causing consternation within, thinking the force had changed sides. The rebels – themselves fearful of artillery on the higher ground around [[St James's]] – did not press their attack and marched on to [[Ludgate]], where they were met by the [[Tower of London|Tower Garrison]] and surrendered.<ref name="Old">[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=45140 ''Charing Cross, the railway stations, and Old Hungerford Market''], ''Old and New London'': Volume 3 (1878), pp. 123–134. accessed: 13 February 2009</ref>