John Blackaller

John Blackaller (around 1494–January 1563) of Exeter, Devon, was an English politician, who served as both Mayor of Exeter and Member (MP) for Exeter.

Early and family life Blackaller was born in Totnes in 1494,

He had at least one daughter, who was married to William Peryam, He died in January 1563 and was buried on 21 January 1563.

Law enforcement As an alderman, Blackaller had law enforcement responsibilities, occasioning active measures, and he was involved in the putting down of an open riot against the dissolution of St Nicholas' Priory in 1536, where he was driven from the church.

In 1536–37, Blackaller was amongst those accused by Richard Lamprey of failure to punish treason, of which he was acquitted.

In the 1560s, Blackaller was once again accused of withholding clerical dues from lands at Heavitree and Polsloe.

Devon Knight and Privy Councillor Peter Carew was tasked with quelling the uprising, but was unsuccessful, but did alert Blackaller to the danger, allowing Exeter to be brought to a state of defensive readiness. The midsummer eve celebrations were cancelled, which would normally have involved a ceremonial inspection of the city's defences, followed by a feast. Whilst Blackaller had sympathy with the cause, his dedication to the King and his duty were stronger than his religious conviction, for which later commentators have characterised him as heroic and courageous.

An initial force of around 2,000 rebel men gathered outside Exeter's city gates, initiating a five-week long siege.