Yorkshire Tax Revolts 1489 Flashcards
What was one main cause in this revolt?
England wanted to aid Brittany in efforts to maintain independence. If Brittany maintained its independence, England would have a potential foothold and ally in France.
What did Parliament do in 1489 to resolve this?
Voted to give Henry a subsidy of £100,000 to defend Brittany, but the rest had to be raised through taxation which was levied through the people of Yorkshire. (Yorkshire had been exempt from paying a tax such as this previously).
What happened as a result of this new taxation on the people of Yorkshire?
The people couldn’t pay the taxes as Yorkshire had used their finances to defend the Northern border against the Scots. There was also a poor harvest which meant crops died and loss of income.
How much money was raised through this tax?
£27,000
What type of tax was this?
It was an income tax which meant the people couldn’t pay it in goods but more rather what they earned.
Who was on Henry’s ‘side’?
Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland. The Earl was known to support the tax - probably to maintain a relationship with Henry.
Who was Sir John Egremont and how did he contribute to this revolt?
He was an illegitimate member of the Percy family and had led riots in the local area over the tax.
Who did Henry send to squash the riots led by Egremont?
Earl of Surrey, who Henry had released from prison in May 1489. Following this, Egremont fled to the court of Margaret of Burgundy rather than face the Royal Army.
What did Henry believe through this new taxation?
1) He should raise money for the support of Brittany.
2) If he did not assert his authority early in his reign then he would be seen as weak.
Who was murdered as a result of this revolt?
The Earl of Northumberland was murdered while trying to collect money owed to the crown.
What was the Earl of Surrey’s new position after the revolt?
Lieutenant of the Council of the North. Surrey had no estates or interests there and was able to spend many years reconciling the region to Tudor rule.
