Reasons for the Failure of the Pilgrimage of Grace

Question 1

Reason for suppression

Mistakes of the rebels

Answer 1

• Lack of violence/negotiation.
• Ironically, Aske’s greatest strength in organising the rebels into peaceful pilgrims turned out to be the greatest flaw in his strategy - remained loyal to Henry and was convicted to moral righteousnes of his protest meant he was too willing to accept the apparent concessions offered by Norfolk.
• Rebels were suspicious of Norfolk, whereas, Aske persuaded them to trust him to achieve their demands.
• Refusal to consider force, trust of the King’s word and willingness to negotiate through the Pontefract Articles allowed Henry to supress the rebels (sent his army).
• When he told the pilgrims about Henry’s promise of a northern parliament and royal progress, the lack of action meant rebels became suspicious - caused the unpopular Bigod’s rising which gave Henry an excuse the punish the rebels and arrest the leaders.

Question 2

Henry VIII’s role/the loyalty of the nobility

Answer 2

Hard line response replaced by negotiation:
- Response was one of fury - convinced of his own power and right to supremacy.
- Made no mention of concession for rebel demands, other than marchy; although mercy not extended to ringleaders like Aske (executed).
- Rejected both Lincolnshire and Pilgrims petitions and questioned their loyalty (response to the Lincolnshire rebels was to threaten severe punishment unless rebels dispersed).
- Hard line response only encouraged the rebels - Duke of Norfolk persuaded Henry to negotiate, writing to the rebels to met with the Duke.
- Made promises (northern parli, pardon and truce) but nothing in writings - rebels unable to prove what was promised. By promising a northern parli at an unspecified debt, Henry could delay discussion of controversial grievances to plan an attack.

Support of nobile:
- Backed by support of royal army’s, led by Duke of Suffolk and Duke of Norfolk - forced rebels to think twice and forced nobility to disperse out of fear of treason and loss of lands
- Although Darcy and Hussy were involved the most important noble families were not.
- Patronage kept nobility loyal – Earl of Derby and Cliffords, kept enough on his side to contain the situation.

Question 3

The role of the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, as a negotiator

Answer 3

• Convinced Henry to negotiate with the rebels, taking up until early December to convince the King. Suggested Henry propose a parliament in the North, giving the government more time to rearm itself.
• His position as a leading member of the conservative faction at court persuaded Aske and other nobility and gentry Pilgrims that Norfolk was trustworthy to put their case to Henry.
• Agreed with the rebels that the monasteries should formally surrender to the king’s officials, but would be restored when parli met - convinced them to accept the king’s pardon and promises to return home.
• Defeated an army nearly four times as large as his own w/o violence.

Question 4

The role of the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, as an enforcer

Answer 4

• Persuaded former rebels, Aske, Darcy and Robert Constable to go to court - trusted Norfolk and didn’t suspect they would be arrested.
• Declared martial law - trials and punishment overseen by military force, not the law.
• Actions were crucial in preventing the rebellion from becoming more serious - acted as the negotiated an enforcer, reasserting royal power.
• Sentenced 200 rebels to death, 34 insurgents executed in Lincolnshire and 74 perished under martial law in Cumberland and Westmoreland.
• Ringleaders trialled and executed; Sir Bigod, Sir Percy, Lord Darcy, Lord Hussy, Aske, Abbot Thirsk of Fountains.