Mary I: Wyatt Rebellion

Question 1

Causes of the Wyatt Rebellion

Answer 1

Main cause was the Spanish marriage and the potential complications it could have caused

However, also included:

• Religious motives, many rebels came from a Protestant stronghold (Maidstone)
• Xenophobia (Dislike of the Spanish)
• Decline in Cloth industry prompted poorer rebels into displaying social and economic grievances
• Gentry who lost office
• Wanted Mary out of power, however Lady Jane Grey’s father got involved and many thought it was to reinstate Jane Grey - people would have preferred Elizabeth

Question 2

Overview

Answer 2

There were many minor rebellions at this time, all limited in support and significance

The biggest was Wyatt’s rebellion in Kent, 3,000 men raised

Question 3

Significance of the Rebellion

Answer 3

• Showed that the protestant minority couldnt be ignored
• Demonstrated popular suspicion to the Spanish marriage
• Resulted in the execution of Jane Grey due to her fathers involvement
• Imprisonment of Elizabeth, no councillor wanted to implicate her due to the likelihood of her becoming Queen
• Duke of Norfolk’s forced were not close & Wyatt managed to maintain support throughout the rebellion