14-The Social Impact of religious and economic change under Edward VI

Western Rebellion (Prayer Book Rebellion)

Date: 6 June - 17 August 1549
Location: Devon and Cornwall

Causes:

• Religious Causes:

  • Rebellion against the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer, seen as a 'Christmas game.'

  • Rebels wanted to reverse religious reforms, restore Catholic practices such as the sacraments over the altar, and reinstate transubstantiation.

• Economic Causes:

  • Grievances over taxation and the sheep tax, viewed as a burden by peasant laborers.

  • Resentment towards what was seen as an uncaring and ignorant government, worsened by the actions of insensitive local officials.

• Other Causes:

  • Distrust between rural laborers and landowners.

How it was suppressed:

• Somerset's Response: Somerset appointed Lord Russell, a nobleman with estates in the West Country, to deal with the rebellion.

• Russell built up a force, including foreign mercenaries, and defeated the rebels near Exeter on 4 August 1549.

Kett’s Rebellion

Date: 8 July - 27 August 1549
Location: East Anglia

Causes:

• Religious Causes:

  • No significant religious causes for this rebellion.

• Economic Causes:

  • Resentment against the abuse of the Norfolk foldcourse system, where landowners took advantage of the right to graze sheep on enclosed land.

  • Frustrations over the maladministration of local authorities, particularly by the Howards.

• Other Causes:

  • Class antagonism and hatred of local government officials.

How it was suppressed:

• Somerset's Response:

  • The government’s initial attempt to suppress the rebellion, led by Earl of Northampton, ended in failure.

  • Somerset sent an army (including foreign mercenaries) under the command of Earl of Warwick (Northumberland).

  • The rebels were brutally suppressed on 27 August, and Kett was convicted of high treason and hanged.