Yorkshire Rebellion, 1489

When was the Yorkshire rebellion?

1489

What was the main cause of the Yorkshire rebellion?

The announcement of a parliamentary tax of a ‘tenth’ to fund the defence of Brittany against French aggression.

The North of England originally paid less tax for defence of the realm and wars but Henry broke this custom.

Who did the north of England mainly support?

Most of Richard III’s following was based here as the earl of Northumberland’s retinue had previously had Richard III as their ‘good lord’.

What was the main trigger of the rebellion?

Henry Percy, 4th earl of Northumberland made a speech to an angry crowd at Topcliffe in which he attempted to explain the importance of the charges but he was set upon by the crowd and lynched.

Following the death of Henry Percy insurrection escalated under the leadership of who?

Sir John Egremont who led a rebellion declaring that they should fight against the King’s ‘evil councillors’

How was the rebellion subdued? Who supported Henry?

Henry accompanied the earl of Surrey to subdue the insurgents and the ringleaders were hanged at York. Egremont escaped and found refuge with Margaret of Burgundy.

In what ways was this rebellion a threat?

• Serious breakdown of law and order

• Power vacuum

• He now has to limit his taxation on the north, limiting his military ambitions

In what ways was this rebellion not a threat?

• Swift response from Henry

• Henry still has good authority