Agrarian Discontent – Kett’s Rebellion

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Date, Location	June-November 1549 East Anglia – although there was wider outbreak across England.
Leadership	Robert Kett, Norfolk Yeoman. Led Common rebellion.
Support	16, 000
Causes	Enclosures (main cause) Somerset’s commission – alienated the Gentry, Isolated himself &encouraged the commons. Bad Local government – JPs allowing Gentry to abuse position and power. Actions of Landlords – engrossing, rack-renting, foldcourse Social & Economic problems – unemployment, inflation, Religious causes – resentment against the dissolution of the monasteries; those in poverty were no longer able to access support.
Aims/Motives/ Demands	29 articles. *         To stop enclosure *         To improve social and economic problems. *         To gain better government *         To stop the corruption of local gentry *         Concern over the education of the clergy.
Key Events/ Outcomes	10-12 July – Rebels camp at Mousehold heath 14-15 July – Other rebels form at Downham Market and Ipswich 21 July – government pardon offered in return for dispersal 22 July – rebels take over Norwich 30 July Royal Army led by William Parr arrives at Norwich and offers a pardon 31 July – Rebels overrun Norwich again 8 August – France declares war on England 23 August – Royal army arrives under Warwick 24 August Earl of Warwick enters Norwich 26 August – Arrival of additional 1000 Mercenaries; rebels supply lines cut; rebels move to Dussindale 27 August – Rebels defeated at Dussindale 7 December – Kett hanged. Kett raises a large force (16,000 men), caims Norwich but the rebellion is crushed by Warwick. Kett and 300 rebels were executed (sign of how frightened the government were). Somerset falls from power.
Somerset’s mistakes/ Successes	Mistakes Slow government response. Northampton’s response. Sending mixed messages and encouragement to the Rebels	Successes Warwick’s response
Rebel mistakes/successes	Mistakes Moving to Dussindale Kett was not a military man	Successes Remain peaceful
Threat to Somerset’s Government	Threat Well organized. Largest rising Weak government response Rebels were powerful Weak government because Edward was a minor.	No threat. Wasn’t directed at the king. Lacked gentry and noble support. Peaceful. Did not coordinate with the Western Rebels