The Essex Rebellion

Question 1

When was the Essex Rebellion?

Answer 1

1601

Question 1

What were the causes of the Essex Rebellion?

Answer 1

• Essex was financially weak (relied on sweet wines license)
• Poor harvests in 1590s
• Experienced ministers close to Elizabeth died , such as Robert Dudley
• Essex favoured military solutions whereas Elizabeth prioritised finances
• Essex was instructed to defeat rebels in Ireland, but instead negotiated peace
• Elizabeth started to misuse patronage (favouritism) which made Essex jealous
• She was getting older and still was without an heir. Essex held talks with her successor, James VI of Scotland

Question 2

What were the events of the Essex rebellion?

Answer 2

• Essex’s supporters put on a play that involved killing the monarch (Richard II) which angered Elizabeth
• So she ordered him to meet with the Privy Council
• Essex refused and rode into London with 300 supporters to gather more support
• But the Mayor instructed everyone to stay in their homes, so no supporters came out
• The Privy Council offered to pardon anyone who deserted Essex
• After fleeing, Essex was surrounded by soldiers at his house and arrested then executed

Question 3

What does the Essex Rebellion tell us about Elizabeth’s popularity?

Answer 3

Elizabeth’s rule was being doubted more and more over time, and she grew more unpopular