The Challenge Posed by Kett's Rebellion: its Demands and the Extent of Threat Posed Flashcards
What happened in 1549 and why did it worry rebels?
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
Where did Kett’s rebellion begin?
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
How did Flowerdew respond to the destruction of his land?
He tried to turn rebels against Kett who had enclosed land but Kett chose to side with rebels and co ordinated the rising
What was the purpose of destroying enclosed land for rebels?
They saw themselves as restoring the old structure of the landed economy and reestablishing rights of way
How did the government help legitimise rebel ations?
They blamed enclosure for the country’s economic problems
Why was Norwich chosen to march on?
It was the second largest city in England where there was a sharp divide between the rich and poor: 6% owned 60% of land
How did the rebellion differ from the POG?
They did not ask the gentry to join in
Which other unpopular land owners were targeted?
Sir John Corbet of Sprowston who had his home vandalised and Lord Sheffiled who was beaten to death
What did rebels choose to do as opposed to march?
Camp on Mousehold Heath where a system of writs and commissions were established to issue orders for supplies of food and drink
What was set up at Mousehold Heath?
A pseudo country council was created with elected representatives to show that they could administer local gov and law and order effectively
How did rebels show that they could keep law and order?
Members of the gentry who were captured wee put on trial before Kett under a tree which the rebels called the Oak of Reformation
What did the majority of rebel demands appeal to?
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
How long did rebels camp for?
6 weeks
How many rebels took part?
16,000, coincides with Western Rising - stretches gov resources
Why did the local gentry lack an obvious leader?
The Duke of Norfolk had been accused of treason and removed from power
Why was Somerset’s gov in a weak position?
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
What did the Marquess of Northhampton do?
Provoked rebels more, offered a pardon to anyone who surrendered, rebels then launched another attack on Norwich
What did John Dudley, the Earl of Warwick do?
Raised a second army, 12,000 men, negotiated with rebels where rebels robbed his guns and used them against his army
How did the Earl of Warwick change his tactics after negotiations failed?
Became more hard line and arrested and hanged some rebels, 1000 mercenaries arrived as back up and cut off rebel supply lines
How did Kett react to having his supply lines cut off?
Moved from Mousehold Heath to Dussindale, refused to negotiate once more and fired warning shots = Warwick attacked = many killed, Kett executed
