7 - causes of the unrest, 1547-58

Question 1

social & economic causes of unrest (1547-58)

Answer 1

• population growth
• rising prices
• poor harvests
• increasing poverty
• enclosure

Question 2

factional & political causes of unrest (1547-58)

Answer 2

• accession of a minor (Regency Council ruling)
• members of Council looked to increase own personal wealth & influence
• Somerset/Northumberland struggle (until Somerset’s execution, 1552)
• Northumberland placing Lady Jane Grey on throne, close to civil war (1553)
• Mary’s marriage (eg. Wyatt Rebellion, 1554)

Question 3

How big of an issue was enclosure, in 1547-58?

Answer 3

• significant role in Kett’s rebellion (1549) & unrest at Northaw in Hertfordshire (1548)
• Somerset established the Enclosure Commission (convinced many peasants he was sympathetic to cause)

Question 4

religious causes of unrest (1547-58)

Answer 4

• uncertainty under H 8th
• introduction of new Prayer Book -> Western/Prayer Book Rebellion (1549)
• Kett’s rebels had some religious grievances (further moves towards Protestantism)
• potential restoration of Catholicism by Mary -> Northumberland putting Protestant Lady Jane Grey on throne