Revolt of the Northern Earls 1569-70

Question 1

Religious causes

Answer 1

The North of England had generally remained Catholic.
The earls and their followers wanted Catholicism restored across the country.
James Pilkingtons attempts to impose protestantism in the North was very unpopular.

Question 2

Political causes

Answer 2

Under Mary I, many northern earls had a lot of influence at court and locally.
• The northern earls resented the increased influence of the newcomers in Elizabeth’s court such as William Cecil, Robert Dudley and Sir John Forster.

Question 3

Mary queen of scots

Answer 3

Mary, Queen of Scots had a strong claim to the throne and the revolt began as a wider conspiracy for her to marry the Duke of Norfolk.

Question 4

Individuals

Answer 4

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk - Disliked the
newcomers such as William Cecil.
Part of the plan was for him to marry Mary Queen of Scots.
Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland – He was from an important Catholic family in the North of England.

Question 5

The plan

Answer 5

Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland would raise an army and take control of Durham.
Spanish troops would land in Hartlepool to support the rebels
• Duke of Norfolk would seize control of London and overthrow Elizabeth
• Mary Queen of Scots would be freed, married to the Duke of Norfolk and be placed on the throne.

Question 6

Significance

Answer 6

Most serious rebellious act by Catholics against Elizabeth
Treason laws became harsher
Power and influence of Northern Earls ended
Prompted harsher treatments against Catholics
Pope Pius VI excommunicated Elizabeth