The Challenge Posed by Kett's Rebellion: its Demands and the Extent of Threat Posed

Question 1

What happened in 1549 and why did it worry rebels?

Answer 1

Riots broke out against illegal enclosures in East Anglia and Essex = local gentry summoned by Somerset for a meeting to discuss West country rebellion = uneased commons

Question 2

Where did Kett’s rebellion begin?

Answer 2

At a drunken feast where rebels tore down the fences and hedges of a local landowner, Sir John Flowerdew as he had demolished a local abbey owned by villagers

Question 3

How did Flowerdew respond to the destruction of his land?

Answer 3

He tried to turn rebels against Kett who had enclosed land but Kett chose to side with rebels and co ordinated the rising

Question 4

What was the purpose of destroying enclosed land for rebels?

Answer 4

They saw themselves as restoring the old structure of the landed economy and reestablishing rights of way

Question 5

How did the government help legitimise rebel ations?

Answer 5

They blamed enclosure for the country’s economic problems

Question 6

Why was Norwich chosen to march on?

Answer 6

It was the second largest city in England where there was a sharp divide between the rich and poor: 6% owned 60% of land

Question 7

How did the rebellion differ from the POG?

Answer 7

They did not ask the gentry to join in

Question 8

Which other unpopular land owners were targeted?1

Answer 8

Sir John Corbet of Sprowston who had his home vandalised and Lord Sheffiled who was beaten to death

Question 9

What did rebels choose to do as opposed to march?

Answer 9

Camp on Mousehold Heath where a system of writs and commissions were established to issue orders for supplies of food and drink

Question 10

What was set up at Mousehold Heath?

Answer 10

A pseudo country council was created with elected representatives to show that they could administer local gov and law and order effectively

Question 11

How did rebels show that they could keep law and order?

Answer 11

Members of the gentry who were captured wee put on trial before Kett under a tree which the rebels called the Oak of Reformation

Question 12

What did the majority of rebel demands appeal to?

Answer 12

Concerns over issues of rank/position : article 10, 24, concerns over landlords absuing their power and increasing rent: article 14, corrupt local officials: article 12

Question 13

How long did rebels camp for?

Answer 13

6 weeks

Question 14

How many rebels took part?

Answer 14

16,000, coincides with Western Rising - stretches gov resources

Question 15

Why did the local gentry lack an obvious leader?

Answer 15

The Duke of Norfolk had been accused of treason and removed from power

Question 16

Why was Somerset’s gov in a weak position?

Answer 16

Norwich had been overrun and the rebles had refused a pardon as they saw themselves as loyal subjects forced to send an army under the Marquess of Northhampton which contained Italian mercenaries

Question 17

What did the Marquess of Northhampton do?

Answer 17

Provoked rebels more, offered a pardon to anyone who surrendered, rebels then launched another attack on Norwich

Question 18

What did John Dudley, the Earl of Warwick do?

Answer 18

Raised a second army, 12,000 men, negotiated with rebels where rebels robbed his guns and used them against his army

Question 19

How did the Earl of Warwick change his tactics after negotiations failed?

Answer 19

Became more hard line and arrested and hanged some rebels, 1000 mercenaries arrived as back up and cut off rebel supply lines

Question 20

How did Kett react to having his supply lines cut off?

Answer 20

Moved from Mousehold Heath to Dussindale, refused to negotiate once more and fired warning shots = Warwick attacked = many killed, Kett executed