E1 - Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)

Question 1

Why did they revolt?

Answer 1

• Many ancient noble families remained loyal to the Catholic religion
• Elizabeth appointed protestant, James Pilkington as the Archbishop of Durham (in the north) turning the northerners against Elizabeth
• These families had been powerful under Elizabeth’s Catholic sister Mary’s reign. They often advised Mary. They lost power under Elizabeth as she promoted people who she trusted (known as “new men”)
• For example the Earl of Northumberland had been removed from his task of looking after the Scottish border
• They wanted Mary Queen of Scots to be queen to solve their problems

Question 2

Who was involved in the revolt?

Answer 2

• Thomas Percy (Earl of Northumberland)-had lost power and was a Catholic
• Charles Neville (Earl of Westmoreland)-from an important Catholic family
• Thomas Howard (Duke of Norfolk)-was actually a Protestant but angry at losing power to Elizabeth’s (“new men”)
• Mary, Queen of Scots - plan was to put her on the throne

Question 3

What happened during the revolt?

Answer 3

• Initially the plotters wanted to get Mary Queen of Scots to marry the Protestant Northern Earl Thomas Howard. They believed that Elizabeth might then name Mary as her heir as if they had a child it would be a future Protestant King.
• However the plot developed and soon changed to overthrow Elizabeth and place Mary in charge (Spanish troops were going to help this happen)
• Elizabeth was tipped off about the plot and arrested Thomas Howard
• Mary, who Elizabeth had in captivity already, was moved further south so the plotters could not free her
• The Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland pushed ahead with the plot to overthrow Elizabeth and managed to take over large parts of the north
• Elizabeth eventually crushed the rebellion as she had far more troops and the Spanish bever came to help the rebels
• Earl of Westmoreland escaped. Earl of Northumberland was executed
• Elizabeth didn’t execute Mary as she still believed she was an anointed monarch and was concerned of France and Spain’s reaction

Question 4

Significance of the revolt

Answer 4

• The failed revolt led the Pope to issue a papal bull (a written order from the Pope) that excommunicated Elizabeth (cut her off from the Catholic Church) and ordered Catholics to try to overthrow her
• Elizabeth reacted by passing a law saying it was treason to question her
• Elizabeth was now prepared to give harsher treatment to the Catholics
• Most Catholics remained loyal to Elizabeth despite the Papal bull
• Elizabeth was now suspicious of Catholics