Key debate 4: Was the Western rebellion a response to recent political instability in the area?

Question 1

Key points:

Answer 1

• Instability in the region

* Nature of West Country/Gov actions

Question 2

Instability in the region:

Answer 2

• Absence of powerful local family allowed the rebellion to develop and grow.
- power vacuum in Cornwall and Devon after fall of Courtenay family.
- shown to be important - same situation in Kett’s (fall of Howard’s)
• Russell, who replaced Courtenays’, not time to build up a following.
• Gov recognised lack of influence in the south-west. Established Council in the West 1539-40.
• Struggles to contain unrest in prev years.
E.g. murder of gov official William Body 1548.
• Leaders of the community, such as mayor at Bodmin, became involved in unrest rather than suppressing it.
• Social divisions in West Country gave rebellion an element of class warfare.
• Leaders of the rising included lesser gentry and civic elite - gov lacked the support of local office holders

Question 3

Nature of West Country/ Gov actions:

Answer 3

• Tradition of unrest in the West Country.
E.g. Cornish 1497
• Cornwall quite separate from the rest of the country.
• Area strongly provincial & therefore resented interference from central government.
• Area regularly showed defiance toward central gov. E.g. murder of gov official William body 1548
• Gov actions turned peaceful protest violent.
- Arrival of Carew
- Set fire to rebel defences at Crediton.