Kett's Rebellion

Question 1

Political causes

Answer 1

• Rebellion occurred during the rule of Edward VI, who was 9 years old. His government was controlled by the Duke of Somerset who struggled to maintain order
• Local officials were seen as corrupt and complicit in illegal land enclosures
• Somerset had encouraged anti-enclosure sentiments, but these reforms did not materialise, contributing to frustrations

Question 2

Social causes

Answer 2

• Wealthy landowners fenced off common lands, depriving peasants of grazing rights and traditional farming areas
• Economic gap between landowners and peasants widened as landowners profited from enclosures
• The rebels targeted gentry who abused their power

Question 3

Economic causes

Answer 3

• Debasement of currency caused inflation, making food + goods more expensive + worsening poverty
• Tenant farmers and labourers lost land due to enclosure, leading to mass unemployment
• Economic reliance on sheep farming led to job losses because landowners prioritised pastures over crops

Question 4

Evnts

Answer 4

• July 1549 - protests against land enclosures start in Wymondham, Norfolk
• Landowner Robert Kett unexpectedly joined the rebels, agreeing that enclosures were unjust and becoming the leader
• Rebellion gathered 16,000 men at Mousehold Heath near Norwich, taking control of the city
• Rebels issued a list of demands
• Aug 1949 - Earl of Warwick led royal troops of 12,000 against rebels , killing thousands in the Battle of Dussindale
• Dec 1549 - Kett was hung for treason

Question 5

demands

Answer 5

Demands for reforms (Articles of Grievances) called for:
- Abolition of illegal enclosures
- Fair rents for tenant farmers
- End of corrupt local government
- Better regulation of the clergy

Question 6

Political consequences

Answer 6

• The rebellion showed the government’s weakness, leading to stricter control over the countryside
• Somerset’s inability to handle the rebellion contributed to his fall from power in 1550
• Henry’s successors, Edward VI and Mary I, imposed harsher penalties on rebels

Question 7

Social consequences

Answer 7

• The rebellion worsened mistrust between the nobility and the lower classes
• The rebels’ demands were mostly ignored, and enclosures continued
• Some rebels called for religious reforms, which played into the rise of Protestantism under Elizabeth I

Question 8

Economic conseuquences

Answer 8

• The government reinforced landowners’ rights, favouring the wealthy over peasants
• Enclosures continued, worsening poverty and unemployment
• Though the rebellion failed, it set the stage for future land reforms