Ketts Rebellion

Question 1

When and where did the Ketts Rebellion take place?

Answer 1

The Ketts Rebellion took place in July 1549 in East Anglia (Norwich)

Question 2

What were the trigger causes of the rebellion?

Answer 2

• The unrest started when a riot took place as a result of enclosure problems.
• This then escalated when Flowerdew decided to knock down an abbey.
• Kett who was originally working with Flowerdew turned against him and Flowerdew tried to turn the protestors against Kett. This failed.

Question 3

Where was the main base for the rebellion and how did this effect the rebellion itself?

Answer 3

• A collapse in the textile industry in Norwich meant that large numbers of workers were left unemployed, made worse by the fact that East Anglia was the most densely populated part of the country at the time.
• The crowds broke down enclosure fences as the drunken feast ‘overflowed’
• Within a short space of time Kett was able to gather a force of 16,000 men to march to Norwich and set up camp on Mousehold Heath.
• There was then a massacre of rebels in Dussindale just outside of Norwich, due to the Earl of Warwick being sent there.

Question 4

How did the gentry react to the situation of the rebellion?

Answer 4

The size and speed of the rebellion meant that it was hard to initiate a reaction and as a result attempts to calm and make peace were unsuccessful.

Question 5

How did the government react?

Answer 5

• Force of 14,000 troops (it was defeated)
• On 21st July Herald offered a full pardon to all of those who dispersed. It was an attempt at a peaceful solution. The solution promised to prohibit landlords from acting as farmer, reduce the price of wool by a third and to appoint commissioners to reform abuses. The crowd wanted to agree to this but Kett refused. Herald ordered his sword bearer to arrest Kett, the atmosphere grew ugly and Herald was forced to retreat.