The Role of Leaders in Ketts Rebellion Flashcards
What type of class did Kett come from?
He was a tanner who had earent enough to survive the inflation of the 40s and had become a land owner. He was part of an emerging social group of artisans and yeoman farmers who were becoming increasingly involved in local politics.
Why were the rebels prepared to listen to Kett despite him being a landowner himself?
His posistion in the local community and he seemed to be an idealist with a strong sense of social justice. He was also a charismatic leader being able to form an army 16,000 strong even when government leaders arrived.
How did Kett ensure that his rebels kept the moral high ground?
He told them they had to act peacefully. The outbreaks of physical violence that did occur were usually due to the provocation of the goverment and he set up a court of justice to deal with them which embarrassed the local gentry whose courts were so mismanaged.
Why did Kett refuse his pardon?
Because pardons were offered to rebels and he was not a rebel.
What was a weakness of Ketts background?
He was not a military man like Warick was.
Why were the rebels so easily able to defeat Northampton?
He underestimated them and delayed dealing with them whilst he was entertained by the mayor of Nowich. He also decided to stay in Norwich itself while Kett had the strong defensive position looking over the city.
Why did Kett panic when Warwick cut of his supply lines?
Without the supplies the rebels could not survive.
What do some historians suggest is the reason Kett moved to Dussindale?
He listened to prophecys that said the rebels would be victorious there.
Why was the move to Dussindale such a bad descion?
At mousehold the rebels had been well protected from the attack especially from cavalry. Dussindale was flat and did not have this protection whilst Warwick had trained cavalry against the untrained rebels.
How had Edward Seymour (Somerset) risen to power?
He had become protector for his nephew when he made himself Duke of Somerset despite Henry the 8ths wishes in his last will.
What ruling style did Somerset have?
Dictorial, he would bypass the council and relied on a group of friends and his own advisors to make policy descions whilst controlling access to the King.
Why did Somerset fall from power?
His power relied on the coperation of his supporters and his ability to control Edward the 6th because of his failure to handle the rebellions he lost this.
How did the Duke try to portray himself as a friend of the commons?
His commisions of 1548-49. He set up a special court at his house where the poor could seek justice.
Why was Somersets portrayal of himself of a friend of the commons such an issue?
He disregarded the Tudors usual system of goverment which alienated the nobility which he needed the suport of, such as Warwick ,whilst encouraging the lebels
When Somerset was brought down by his enemies in court what was he accused of?
Endangering the social and political order of England by negotiating with rebels.
How did letters between Somerset and the rebels give them further encouragement?
Although the letters emphasised the importance of the existing social order, he made promises to show he was sympathetic. For example, after the rebels sent their complaints he said that they “we see them for the most part founded upon great and just causes.” He also said that parliment could be moved from Novemebr to October so the rebels complaints could he heard quicker.
What did the fact that the commisions were still running through the summer of 1549 show to the rebels?
It gave them the impression that the giverment was supporting them as it was one of their main causes of complaint.
Who was put into position after Somerset?
Warwick
Who was the Earl of Warwick?
John Dudley an experienced military commander who had served in Henry the 8ths wars with Scotland and France. He had been given the Earldom after supporting Somersets bid for protectorate
Why would Warwick have been reluctant to support Somerset?
He had been one of the targets of Hales enclosure commision in 1548
Why would have Warwick wanted to support Somerset?
He was known as an ally of Somersets and wouldn’t want to fall from power if he did. He was also a landlord so concerned of the threat posed by the rebels.
What were the two reasons that Warwick was a good choice for leading against the rebels?
- He was a military commander. 2. The manor of Wymondham belonged to the Earl, Kett even being one of his tennants so his role would have been similar to that of the Duke of Norfolks.
What did Warwicks army contain?
A contingent of German mercenaries who had been persuaded to fight for a month’s work of pay for one day.
How did Warwick try to negotiate with the rebels and why did this fail?
He offered a pardon to everyone but Kett and the rebels welcomed Ketts messangers into their camp. However, there was an incident between the rebels and Warwicks troops where a young rebel boy was shot and killed. Kett was still prepared to trust Warwick but the other rebels dissuaded him from doing so.
