1549 Kett Flashcards
Give an overview of Kett’s rebellion
The rebellion in Norfolk was largely social and economic. The rebels established a series of camps, even capturing Norwich, and were only defeated at the Battle of Dussindale
Why was religion linked to Kett’s rebellion?
The rebels complained about the lack of progress of the Reformation and called for an improvement in the quality of the clergy
Explain the significance of socio-economic problems that led to Kett’s rebellion
17 of the 29 demands were linked to rents, landlords, and enclosures. The rebels’ targets were landlords and it was the closest thing to ‘class war’ in this period, as most land was owned by a small number of nobles and gentry. The rebels wanted serfs to be west free and a number of the demands specifically attacked offices of local government, which were held by gentry. There were criticisms of rabbit warrens and dovecotes, symbols of gentry status
Explain the significance of enclosures that led to Kett’s rebellion
The first article of Kett’s demand attacked enclosures and the rebellion was triggered by a dispute between landowners who had recently enclosed land. The biggest concern was when wealthy landowners took over common land or pastured large flocks on it as it denied peasants the right
Who led Kett’s rebellion?
Commons rebellion led by Robert Kett, a Norfolk yeoman, but part of a much wider outbreak of disorder across much of England where the leadership was low level and low born
What were the outcomes of Kett’s rebellion?
Disturbances throughout midlands and eastern England
Kett raises a large force – 16,000 men
Norwich falls to rebels; rebellion eventually crushed by Warwick in battle outside Norwich at spot – Mousehold Heath – where 1381 rebels had camped
Kett and up to 300 rebels executed – sign of how seriously government had been frightened
Results in fall of Somerset
Where was Kett’s rebellion?
Norwich
Why was Kett’s rebellion considered a high level threat?
Disorder was widespread
Trouble in 25 counties from Yorkshire to Cornwall
At least 20 rebel camps where disgruntled commons assembled. At least 16 rebel petitions.
Threat heightened in part because of the incompetence of the local authorities in putting Kett down – allowed rebels time to gather strength
Why did Kett’s rebellion take a long time to suppress?
The government underestimated the seriousness of the rebellion and did not try to control it properly
Why did Kett’s rebellion not attract support from the nobility or gentry?
It was considered ‘low politics’ that did not concern the nobility or the gentry
How did Kett’s rebels threaten the local gentry?
They imprisoned the gentry such as Sir Roger Woodhouse, Thomas Gawdy, and Richard Catlyn
Explain how Kett’s rebellion was well organised?
Kett controlled 16,000 rebels at the camp on Mousehold Heath. His aim was to show how local government could be run effectively. Warrants were issued for supplies, negotiations were undertaken with the Mayor of Norwich to buy supplies and prayers were said twice a day
What concessions did the government make for Kett?
Subsidy and Vagrancy Acts repealed
Enclosure Act restricted landlords’ rights over common land
Acts fix grain prices and maintain arable land
What was the initial response from the government in dealing with Kett’s rebellion?
The failure of the gentry and sheriff to deal with the unrest resulted in the sending of the Lord Lieutenant, but he did not have enough troops and was defeated. As a result, the Duke of Northumberland was sent with reinforcements
Why did Kett’s rebellion fail?
Although 25 counties saw disturbances, London remained entirely loyal to the crown; there were no agrarian grievances in a city
Kett failed to hold back the rebels. The government was willing to negotiate with protestors but felt it had to treat outright rebels harshly. The attack on Norwich was the point where the rebellion became treason
