Key debate 4: Why were the Tudor authorities so concerned about the Pilgrimage of Grace?

Question 1

Key points:

Answer 1

• Size and scale

* Aims

Question 2

Size and scale:

Answer 2

• Largest of all Tudor rebellions.
- 40,000 people
- Gov could only raise 8000 men and so forced to avoid a military confrontation.
• Much of the North got involved, rebels able to take the ‘capital’, York.
- North where royal authority less strong.
- Authority in North weak despite attempts to bolster it through the Council of the North 1525, 1530.
• Loyalty of northern nobles dubious, could not rely on rebellion being locally suppressed - opportunity to grow.
• Rebellion appealed to all groups of northern society.
- Cross-class rebellion posed more threat.
- Similar to Amicable Grant.
• Rebellion appeared well-coordinated.

Question 3

Aims:

Answer 3

• Direct challenge to the government’s religious legislation.
• Reforms that followed suggest the gov considered the rising a challenge to stability E.g. Act of Six Articles.
• Council of the North reformed - listened to rebel demands.
• Responded to some of the economic demands of the rebels:
- Withdrew the subsidy.
- Regulated entry fines
• Rebels wanted to restore Mary Tudor to the succession, direct dynastic challenge to Henry.