The Northern Rebellion

When was the Northern Earls Rebellion?

1569

How did the NER begin?

As a court conspiracy, since the Duke of Norfolk resented Cecil’s power within the Privy Council so planned to marry Mary and set her up to be the future Queen of England as this would gain greater influence for herself whilst weakening Cecil’s position

Who helped in this plot?

Many courtiers, including Dudley, who was keen to reduce Cecil’s influence as well

What was the mistake of trusting Dudley?

He went to Elizabeth and confessed so Norfolk was arrested (although he tried to flee and was caught)

What mistake did Elizabeth make?

She accidentally sparked part of the rebellion by summoning the Catholic sympathisers (who wanted this plot to be successful) the Earl of Northumberland and the Earl of Westmorland to court. This led 5000 rebels to move through the country in the north of England and ventured south

What happened after the rebels joined together?

The Earl of Essex struggled to gather an army to crush the rebellion and the rebels continued to gain ground

What stopped the rebellion?

There was no plan or coordination between rebels and there was no international aid given to the rebels (and as this was expected to come, the rebels weren’t prepared without it. Since most English Catholics remained loyal to Elizabeth, the rebellion ended

When did the rebellion end?

19th December 1569 when the earls left for Scotland