Simnel Rebellion

Question 1

When?

Answer 1

1486-87

Question 2

Where?

Answer 2

Ireland; invasion of England through Lancashire

Question 3

Political?

Answer 3

Dynastic rebellion. Attempt by Yorkists to place a pretender on the throne

Question 4

Social?

Answer 4

Dissatisfaction of Yorkist faction with their treatment by Henry VII, especially loss of lands and hope of preferment

Question 5

Duration?

Answer 5

One month

Question 6

Extent of Support?

Answer 6

Earl Of Kildare - Irish Support - provided ill-disciplined troops - lack necessary body armour
Margaret of Burgundy - sent 2000 German mercenaries led by Martin Schwarts

Question 7

Leadership?

Answer 7

First: Richard Symonds, Oxford priest
Later: Backing from Irish Earl of Kildare, who has Simnel crowned king in Dublin; Earl of Lincoln

Question 8

Incidents?

Answer 8

Battle of Stoke

Question 9

Regions affected?

Answer 9

Ireland, Stoke

Question 10

Military Response

Answer 10

12,000 men strong army sent up North compared to 8000 rebel fighters

Question 11

Level of threat

Answer 11

High:
Foreign support
Forced Henry into a closely fought open battle - lasted 3 hours
Rebellion took place early in Henry’s reign; few actively supported him

Low:
Lacked domestic support - no support from Northumberland
Henry instantly moved up North to deal with the threat - shows Henry was equipped to deal with it

Some:
Took John de la pole under his wing

Question 12

Outcome

Answer 12

Simnel captured – spared, but his status as pretender made clear by being given job in king’s kitchen
Symonds escapes execution but is imprisoned for life