Why did Jack Cade's Rebellion occur? (1450) Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 3 main reasons for Cade’s Rebellion?
A
The Loss of Normandy;
Scheming of Richard of York;
Failures of Henry VI’s Government
2
Q
The Loss of Normandy
A
- Anger due to loss of territory and pride: rivalry with France
- Felt betrayed by nobility in France: Somerset instantly surrendering Rouen in 1449 was humiliating,
felt York did a better job before 1448 - Kent was disproportionally affected by the war: angry soldiers returned to SE England,
loss of trade as biggest import (wine) falls to 1/4 of previous levels,
increased French piracy affects SE coast (like Rye & Winchelsea in 1448)
CA: there was also disturbances in Midlands and SW England, which were not as affected by France. Other reasons?
3
Q
Scheming of Richard of York
A
- Uprising in Ipswich in March 1450: by Sir William Oldhall (Y) who recently had visited York in July 1449
- Cade’s Mortimer affiliations: changed his name in June 1450 to Mortimer (like York’s bloodline),
stayed in White Hart Inn in Southwark which was a symbol of deposed King Richard II,
described Suffolk and Somerset as “evil councilors” like York did - Affiliation with Humphrey of Gloucester: allegedly killed by Suffolk in 1447
CA: York is Ireland, and there is no evidence of York-Cade communication. Also, Cade explicitly denies intentions to replace Henry VI with York in the 15 formal complaints
4
Q
Failures of Henry VI’s Government
A
- Unpopularity of King’s Favourites: Suffolk and Somerset due to France losses
- Corruption: William Crowmer (former Sheriff of Kent) and Lord Saye (Treasurer and Crowmer’s Father-in-Law) accused of corruption (stealing tax money and nepotism),
bishops also accused of corruption like Adam Moleyns and William Ayscough,
Suffolk accused of isolating and manipulating the King for his own benefit,
5/15 of Cade’s formal complaints mention corruption - Massive debt: debt from 100 Years War with France passed onto taxpayers,
by 1450: £372,000 debt and rising by £20,000 annually
