Key debate 2: Whose rebellion was the Pilgrimage of Grace?

Question 1

Key points:

Answer 1

• Rebellion of the gentry
• Rebellion of the clergy
• Rebellion of the leaders of society in villages and small towns.

Question 2

Was the Pilgrimage of Grace a rebellion of the gentry?

Answer 2

• Out of favour court faction, led by men such as Hussey.
• Organisation of the rebellion suggests not spontaneous - only the gentry would have the ability or connections to organise such a large-scale rising.
• Some of the rebel demands, such as the complaint about the Statute of Uses, appealed only to the gentry.
• Gentry were most affected by the changes in royal policy and the influence of Duke of Suffolk.
• Nobility involved had the motives to lead a rising as they had lost their position at court and resented the influence of Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn.

Question 3

Was the Pilgrimage of Grace a rebellion of the clergy?

Answer 3

• Clergy and monks played significant role.
• This was to be expected as they were the ones whose lives had been the most dramatically hit by the religious changes.
• The clergy provided money for the rising.
E.g. In Lincolnshire the clergy provided the rebels with funds.

Question 4

Was the Pilgrimage of Grace a rebellion of the leaders of society in villages and small towns?

Answer 4

• Host armies began as a protest of the people.
• Believed the gentry could better articulate their views.
• Gentry put under pressure to take part and lead the host armies that were assembles, as they would give the movement greater legitimacy
• Gentry, such as Hussey, did not have the influence in local society to raise such numbers.