Scrope's rebellion and the breakdown in Henry IV's health

Primary cause of rebellion

The financial burden of defence and the perceived financial mismanagement of the king's government.

Who does the rebellion involve?

Richard Scrope, the Archbishop of York, as well as a number of noblemen such as the earl of Northumberland, the earl marshal Thomas Mowbray and Lord Bardolf in 1405

The outcome of the revolt

The revolt was put down effectively, and Scrope was executed in June of that year on Henry's orders, an event which was widely criticised at the time.

Why was Scrope’s execution criticised

This criticism was partly on the grounds of the archbishop's popularity, according to the admittedly pro-clerical chronicler, Thomas Walsingham. More important, however, was the fact that it was extremely unconventional for a senior clergyman to be executed.

Thomas Arundel

Henry’s old friend, Thomas Arundel, tried to appeal to the king on Scrope’s behalf and was assured that the archbishop would be spared. Nevertheless, the king broke this promise and had Scrope executed, even though the chief justice refused to take part in the case.

Why Henry broke his promise

this action was uncharacteristic of the king, and they argue that this action was a result of the strain the king was under at the time.

Whatever the cause of Henry's actions, for many moralists the almost immediate decline of the king's health, which began within days of the execution, was a sign of divine retribution for the death.