1569 Northern Earls Flashcards
Give an overview of the Northern Earls rebellion
Northumberland and Westmorland planned to marry Mary Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk and force Elizabeth to name her as heir to the throne. The rebellion had little support and the rebels fled as the royal army approached
What were the main causes of the Northern Earls rebellion?
Dynastic succession and religion
Explain how religion was linked to the Northern Earls rebellion
The Earl of Northumberland claimed the first aim was to reform religion. The two leaders were both Catholic. The rebels used the banner of the Five Wounds of Christ, restored mass in Durham Cathedral, set up stone altars and destroyed English Bibles
Explain how faction was linked to the Northern Earls rebellion
Northumberland and Westmorland were losing influence both at court and in the north, as southern councillors, led by William Cecil, dominated the court and were brought into government in the north
Why was the location of the rebellion significant?
The rebellion in the north was a response to resentment at the growing power of London and the region’s exclusion from decision making. The northern nobles felt their status had been undermined
Which foreign powers did the Northern Earls hope to gain support from?
Papal and Spanish support
What were the outcomes of the Northern Earls rebellion?
Rebellion has no organisation or clearly defined aims; quickly collapses
Northumberland is beheaded
Earl of Huntingdon, an energetic Puritan, made President of the Council of the North – his 23 years in charge ends Catholic threat in this region
Why was the Northern Earls rebellion considered a low level threat?
The rebellion was far from London
The plot was betrayed before it got underway.
Neither earl showed determination.
Bad timing – took place in midwinter
Why did the Northern Earls rebellion fail?
Lack of clear and achievable aims
Bad timing – rebellion was in winter
Poor organisation meant the march south began before Northumberland had even raised his own tenantry – his contribution to the rebel army was just 80 men
Support was limited to the north, well away from all centres of power
Elizabeth’s intelligence service, organised by Sir Francis Walsingham, made sure it was well informed and she was able to take steps to secure MQS and prevent her becoming the focus for rebellion
How did Elizabeth deal with the rebels?
Northumberland was executed
450 rebels were hanged
