- TLN 2414historical topical
“have won the bridge”
London Bridge was the only fixed crossing of the Thames and the key to the city. Cade's rebels seizing it was the decisive act that let them enter London from the south bank; whoever held the bridge controlled movement in and out of the city. Lord Scales confirms they are now fighting on both the bridge and in the streets.
historical Jack Cade's Rebellion “rebels have assay'd to win the Tower”
'Assay'd' means 'attempted' or 'made an assault on' — from Old French assayer, to try or test. Lord Scales reports that the rebels have tried to storm the Tower of London itself, the royal fortress he commands, not merely the bridge or the surrounding streets.
“get you to Smithfield and gather head”
'Gather head' means to muster soldiers or assemble a fighting force — 'head' here is short for 'a head of men,' a body of troops raised for action. Smithfield was an open ground just outside the city walls, northwest of the Tower and long used for musters, executions, and fairs, making it a natural rallying point. Scales is directing the citizens to meet the force he is about to send them.
- TLN 2421historical topical
“I will send you Matthew Goffe”
Matthew Goffe was a real English soldier who served in France and, in July 1450, led the forces fighting Cade's rebels on London Bridge. He was killed there. Shakespeare accurately names him as Lord Scales's subordinate and the man sent to fight the rebels in the city streets — one of the small historical details drawn directly from Holinshed.
historical Jack Cade's Rebellion