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Summary REBELLION AND UNREST IN THE LATER TUDOR PERIOD NOTES AND ANALYSIS
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In-depth notes and analysis for the Historical Inquiry Unit (The Later Tudors ) for OCR History A.
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Rebellion and Unrest in the TudorMonarchy
(1547-1558)
OVERVIEW of factors caused rebellion and unrest in the mid-Tudor
England
Underlying causes for most non-violent unrest was socio-economic: such
as falling food prices, bad harvests, and population growth.
Factional conflicts during Edward’s reign weakened government control
over the country, as well as religious uncertainties over Henry VIII’s
previous changes (1547-8 Unrest in Cornwall over William Body’s
supervision of the destruction of imagery)
Somerset’s support for Henry’s cause led him to continue his war with
Scotland, leading to further coinage debasement and inflation.
Another failed attempt to gain popularity was through his establishment of
commissions between 1547-8 to aid in the opposition to the enclosure.
However, the peasantry interpreted this as a go ahead towards tearing
down enclosures themselves in places like Hertfordshire.
Government to investment in mercenaries. These weakened Somerset’s
government, whilst the successful suppression of the rebels by
Northumberland strengthened his support and aided in his coup in winter
1549.
How serious were the social and economic problems in the mid-Tudor
period?
Cloth industry: A move towards the more profitable sheep farming, that
benefited through enclosure. This also meant less arable farming,
effecting the majority of peasantry that owned no land to work
themselves. Increased rent.
More demand for food, meaning higher prices and unfair economic
standards caused unrest amongst the peasantry towards the “vicious
cycle”
Vagrant population contributed towards the numbers of rebels during
unrest
Overpopulation meant agricultural productivity could not keep up, given
there was now a much larger consumer population of children
Enclosure movement: Unpopular movement of landowners closing their
lands off from peasants who had rights to it. Also represented a move
towards sheep farming, that increased unemployment.
Food prices: Grain increased in cost, an issue as it was a staple food.
Prices in 1530 were 69% higher than in 1508.
Depression in cloth trade
Dissolution of the Monasteries: Eliminated a big form of poor relief for
many.
, Overall, rising population is the trigger cause of this vicious cycle, allowing for
the wider discontent over underlying issues such as enclosure and sheep tax, as
well as the change in industry. Rebellions arose in the agrarian areas of Kent and
Devon.
In what way did the social and economic problems contribute to unrest?
Commonwealth writer argued that the wealthy had an obligation to the
poor, which was to an extent what Somerset had in mind when setting up
commission against enclosure problems in 1547-8
Landowners refused and Somerset had to issue proclamations to reverse
their policies---isolated elite support
When legislation failed, the lower orders took the law into their own hands,
worsening unrest
Uprisings were prompted by rebels who believed their grievances were justified,
and that their issues over enclosure would be addressed.
Why was there so much unrest in 1549?
Political issues over Somerset’s appointment as Lord Protector was feared
to cause rebellion, with clergy being instructed to preach obedience
He did not have the Divine Right of Kings, so he could be disregarded as a
Monarch
Two key uprisings (Kett’s and Western) required the use of government
troops, representing a direct attack towards authority by the peasants.
Western Rebellion (1549)
Causes Events
Religious tension over Catholic Locals objected to the use of the
peasantry and Protestant Prayer Book at Sampford
gentry/Authority Courtenay, insisting on Mass
Peasants gathered in Bodmin, By 20 June, Devon and Cornish
Devon to protest Act of Uniformity forced joined together
(Question Somerset’s authority) Killed gentry and plundered their
Food shortages and sheep tax property
Arable farming and closure Siege of Exeter: Failed as
authorities appealed to the poor,
who then refused to join the
rebels. The rebels were then put
down by German mercenaries
Consequences Judgement
Medium. There was widespread
Government forces became key discontent, but no rebel advance
target of revolt into city. Somerset was distracted
Authorities became aware that by Kett, or things would have
peasant economic appeasement been over sooner
could avoid unrest Distance from London, and
Mercenaries used distractions caused by protests
elsewhere in the country –
Somerset felt he could not afford
to leave London
Somerset may have sympathized
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