The Pilgrimage of Grace

When was the Pilgrimage of Grace

1536

What was the POG

Opposition against Henry VIII Break with Rome

Where did it take place

North

Yorkshire

Who led it

Robert Aske

Gentry Lawyer

Numbers involved

40,000

Religious causes of the POG

Closure of the Monasteries

Provided lots of charity

Change in traditional religion

What did the pilgrims complain about

Heretical bishops e.g Cranmer

Political causes of the POG

Complained of Henrys Councillers e.g Cromwell

Felt that centralisation of government in the south would end their local rights

Economic causes of the POG

Objections to peace time taxation ‘lay subsidy’, a tax of 10% income

Social causes of the POG

Poor harvests in 1535 and 1536

Why was the POG a threat to the Crown

Biggest best organised revolt, 40000 rebels

Pilgrims held Pontefract Castle

Leadership was strong and it involved all classes

Henry was willing to negociate

Reasons for failure of the POG

Poor decision making, limited aims

Government could organise a sustained opposition

Didn’t oppose monarchy

Actions of monarch

Rebellion failed to stop religious change