1536-37 Pilgrimage of Grace Flashcards
Outline the Pilgrimage of Grace
Three separate risings in the north of England were a reaction to the religious changes of the Reformation, as well as underlying social and economic grievances. The rebel force numbered 40,000 and Henry was forced to buy time by negotiating with the rebels before going back on his promises and executing over 200 of them
Why was succession linked to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
The rebels wanted the restoration of Mary to the succession, having been declared illegitimate after her mother, Catherine of Aragon’s divorce from Henry
Why was taxation linked to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
One of the rebel’s articles concerned taxation. They demanded that the 1534 Subsidy Act be abandoned as the tax was innovative because it was not being raised for the defence of the realm
What was the main cause of the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Religion
Explain the significance of religion in causing the rebellion
The rebellion was in response to visitations by Church commissioners to investigate the cleft and close smaller monasteries. This also caused rumours of attacks on parish churches. The closure of monasteries meant the local church attendance would go down due to the fact many people used the monasteries for mass.
What were the religious symbols used in the Pilgrimage of Grace?
The banner of the Five Wounds of Christ
Rebels singing the Pilgrim’s Ballad
Why was faction linked to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
The Aragonese faction wanted to regain influence. The rebellion attempted to remove Henry’s chief minister, Thomas Cromwell. Many of the leaders had links with Catherine and hoped to restore Mary to the succession
Why were socio-economic issues linked to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
The rebels wanted entry fines to be set at two years’ rent. This would prevent landlords making up for their losses from rents, caused by inflation, by charging more to new tenants. The rebels also argued that the closure of the monasteries would hit the poor who relied on monastic charities
Why were enclosures linked to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
One of the rebel demands called for the pulling down of enclosures put up since 1489, except in regions of mountains, forests, and parks
How many rebels were there involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace?
40,000
Which nobles were involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Lord Hussey
Lord Darcy
Lord Lumley
Lord Latimer
Which members of the gentry was involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Sir Robert Aske, a lawyer to the Earl of Northumberland
Sir Francis Bigod
Was there any involvement of foreign leaders?
The rebels hoped for support from Charles V
What were the outcomes of the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Local nobles forced to negotiate with rebels and a general pardon promised
Subsidy dropped
Four sacraments resorted to prayer book (pro-Catholic outcome)
Second wave of rebels led by Bigod treated much more harshly – sign of how concerned government was by this rebellion
Why was the organisation of the Pilgrimage of Grace so vital to its success?
Aske was able to control 40,000 people from a range of social classes. The army was organised into ‘hosts’ based on regions. The leaders of the hosts met to discuss tactics, pledging an oath which helped ensure good discipline
What concessions were made by the government due to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
The rebels were pardoned Religious changes slowed down Entry fines were set at the level demanded The 1534 Subsidy Act was stopped The Statute of Uses was repealed
What was the fate of the rebels after the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Henry pardoned the first wave of rebels, but went back on his word with the second. The accused were tried without a jury and a verdict without appeal given. In Lancaster, the abbot of Whalley, four monks, four canons and 19 others were executed. 46 were hanged for the Lincolnshire rising and 132 from the Pilgrimage and Bigod
Which crown servants were the target of the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Thomas Cromwell
Thomas Cranmer
Richard Rich
How did the Pilgrimage of Grace impact the north?
After the rebellion, the Council of the North was reformed, with lesser gentry given roles, whilst Henry assumed overall responsibility for the Marcher lands. Lesser gentry were appointed under Henry as deputy wardens of the borderlands. JPs were changed and those who had shown sympathy with the rebels were removed. Henry visited York
Which nobles were involved in the suppression of the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Earl of Shrewsbury
Duke of Norfolk
