Cade's Rebellion 1450

Question 1

Why was there growing discontent in England by 1449?

Answer 1

• By 1449, there was growing discontent against the government due to the growing economic crisis in England
• A great deal of land had been lost in France and there was a trade embargo on the import of British cloth
• This was particularly damaging as England relied heavily on the cloth industry as their main source of income

Question 2

Jack Cade

Answer 2

• Jack Cade was the leader of a popular uprising against the government of Henry VI in 1450
• Cade protested against the corruption of high taxes and discontent at the loss of Normandy
• Cade’s rebellion started on 30th June and ended with Cades death on 12th July 1450

Question 3

What led to Cade’s discontent?

Answer 3

• Kent had suffered greatly due to the war with France
• Taxation was high and many lives were lost
• Lack of success meant more demand for men and finances
• Greedy courtiers were blamed for embezzling the King’s money and land as well as being incompetent and corrupt
• People started to dislike the council and question the King’s effectiveness

Question 4

The Duke of Suffolk

Answer 4

• Suffolk was accused of treason and sent to the Tower of London on 9th January 1450
• The king intervened on behalf of his favourite
• His sentence was reduced to 5 years of banishment and was seen as far too lenient which only worsened his public image

-He was captured by privateers and beheaded as he was trying to leave England

Question 5

Support for Cade grows

Answer 5

• In May 1450, 5000 men gathered at Blackheath
• They included soldiers returning from France, landowners and minor Nobles
• Henry VI sent a force to disperse them to no avail
• They were defeated by the Rebels and the Stafford Brothers were killed
• Cade Entered London and secured London Bridge with his Men
• The Rebels sought corrupt Nobles and beheaded them
• Lord Saye was among the murdered

Question 6

Death of Cade

Answer 6

• On 7th July, a royal pardon was issued to the rebels
• They accepted this and dispersed peacefully
• Cade was not part of this pardon and was captured and died of his wounds
• Parliament attainted him a traitor and he was beheaded