The Revolt of the Northern Earls 1569-70 with causes, main events, outcome - Early Elizabethan England Flashcards
What were the causes of the revolt of the northern earls?
• The earls and their followers wanted Catholicism restored in England.
• The earls had lost a great deal of their influence at court since Elizabeth I queen in 1558.
• Elizabeth refused to name a heir or to marry and have a child, creating uncertainty about England’s future.
• Mary, Queen of Scots, in captivity in England, was a figurehead who could potentially replace Elizabeth and, in doing so, resolve the other issues the earls had
• Elizabeth I wanted Catholicism to die out eventually so she appointed James Pilkington a commited Protestant as archbishop of Durham in 1561.By doing this she wanted to lessen the influence of Catholicism in the North.
• Pilkington became the most important clergyman in the north of England.
State a few of the individuals involved in the revolt of the northern earls
• Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland - A Catholic that held an important position under Mary I,but lost influence under Elizabeth I as she favoured new protestant gentry.
• Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland - from an important Catholic family in the north of England.He was also the Duke of Norfolk’s brother-in-law. He also had close links to old, northern Catholic families, too. However, he later backed down and urged the earls to call off the rebellion
• Mary, Queen of Scots, had met the Duke of Norfolk once, shortly after fleeing to England from Scotland in 1568.She supported the plan to marry him and perhaps even take the English throne.
How long were the main events of the revolt of the northern earls?
1st of November 1569 - 19th December 1569
What happens on the 1st of November?
Once Elizabeth knew about the plot, Norfolk was arrested. He was sent to the Tower of London
What happens on the 9th of November?
At midnight, bells are rung at the Earl of Northumberland’s residence of Topcliffe to start the rebellion.The Earl of Westmorland’s forces are already assembled near Durham.
What happens on the 13th of November?
the Earl of Sussex begins raising troops in the rebels on behalf of Elizabeth but few are willing to join him
What happens on the 14th of November?
Northumberland’s and Westmorland’s forces seize Durham Cathedral and hear mass.
What happens on the 16th of November?
The Earl of Sussex writes to the Privy Council saying he is having difficulty raising enough men
What happens on the 22nd of November?
All of northern England east of the Pennines, and as far south as Braham Moor, is controlled by the rebels
What happens on the 30th of November?
Some rebels divert to capture Hartlepool, hoping that Spanish help will arrive at the port. It doesn’t.
What happens on the 14th of December?
The rebels take Barnard Castle in County Durham.
What happens on the 16th of December?
14,000 men marching for Elizabeth from the South reach the River Tees. The rebel forces of 5,400 flee north
What happens on the 19th of December?
The earls of Northumberland and Westmorland cross into Scotland. The rebellion is defeated.
What is the outcome/consequences of the revolt of the northern earls?
• It was the first, and most serious, rebellious act by English Catholics against Elizabeth I.The treason laws became harsher and the definition of treason was widened.
• It ended the power and influence of the Percy and Neville families in the north of England.
• It prompted harsher treatment of Catholics.For example, in 1572, Elizabeth sent the Earl of Huntingdon, a committed Protestant, to lead the Council of the North*.He implemented laws against Catholics and effectively suppressed Catholicism.
• However, the revolt encouraged the pope, Pius VI, to excommunicate Elizabeth I.His papal bull marked a turning point for English Catholics: their loyalty to Elizabeth was now always in doubt.
