The Yorkshire Rebellion, 1489

What was it sparked by?

Heavy taxation

Political unrest

Social inequality

Why did H7 impose the Great Tax?

Fund military campaigns in Brittany and the war against France

When does the Great Tax get imposed?

January 1489

When and why do taxpayers refuse to pay the Great Tax?

April 1489

Yorkshire was far from France and they felt it didn’t benefit them

Yorkshire had suffered a bad harvest in 1488-89

Resentment at unequal tax burden between north and south

Weak loyalty to H7

Who led the initial protests?

Sir John Egremont, a member of Percy family’s extended network and a staunch Yorkist

How does H7 respond to the refusing of paying?

Sending the Earl of Northumberland to resolve the issue and collect the tax

When was the Earl of Northumberland assassinated?

28th April 1489

What did Henry turn to in May 1489?

Military action and a royal army- led by Earl of Surrey- send to suppress the rebellion

Where did Egremont flee to?

Flanders

What was the impact of the rebellion?

Reality check on the dissent

Led to stricter enforcement of tax policies by the Crown

Changed how H7 handled future revolts- evolved to an aggressive military response