‘The Duke of Somerset’s handling of Kett’s Rebellion increased its threat to royal
government.’ How far do you agree with this statement? - 2020 2
Agree 1: Somerset’s Policies and Mixed Messaging Encouraged the Rebels
Commissions of Enquiry into Enclosure (1548–49):
Somerset launched commissions to investigate illegal enclosures, reinforcing the
idea that he supported the grievances of the commons
gave rebels legitimacy, as they believed they were acting in line with government policy
landowners, angered by Somerset’s stance, were reluctant to support the government
Pardon Offer (21 July 1549) backfired:
at this stage, many rebels did not see themselves as revolutionaries but as
supporters of the government
pardon implied they were guilty of treason, forcing them into open rebellion rather than
dispersing peacefully
Somerset’s sympathy towards enclosure grievances gave the rebels confidence in their
cause and delayed government intervention
Agree 2: Somerset’s Delays and Poor Military Strategy Gave the Rebels Time to Strengthen
delayed military action for three weeks, allowing the rebels to:
assembled 16,000 men at Mousehold Heath
seize Norwich (22 July 1549), England’s second-largest city
failed military response (Northampton’s attack, August 1549):
army was small, poorly led, and included unpopular foreign mercenaries
easily repulsed, boosting rebel confidence and weakening government control
Somerset’s continued negotiations encouraged the rebels:
exchanged letters with Kett, appearing to sympathise with their demands
instead of dispersing, the rebels became more entrenched in their positions
Somerset’s failure to act decisively early on allowed the rebellion to grow into a major
threat
Disagree 1: The Government’s Financial and Political Instability Limited Somerset’s
Options
Financial Crisis:
wars with Scotland (‘Rough Wooing’) and France had drained government funds
(£1.3 million spent)
raising an army immediately was not financially viable
unrest elsewhere in England:
simultaneous Western Rebellion (1549) meant government resources were divided
Somerset prioritised suppressing unrest in the West Country before dealing with Kett
Absence of the Duke of Norfolk:
as the leading noble in East Anglia, Norfolk would have been best placed to suppress
the rebellion
government.’ How far do you agree with this statement? - 2020 2
Agree 1: Somerset’s Policies and Mixed Messaging Encouraged the Rebels
Commissions of Enquiry into Enclosure (1548–49):
Somerset launched commissions to investigate illegal enclosures, reinforcing the
idea that he supported the grievances of the commons
gave rebels legitimacy, as they believed they were acting in line with government policy
landowners, angered by Somerset’s stance, were reluctant to support the government
Pardon Offer (21 July 1549) backfired:
at this stage, many rebels did not see themselves as revolutionaries but as
supporters of the government
pardon implied they were guilty of treason, forcing them into open rebellion rather than
dispersing peacefully
Somerset’s sympathy towards enclosure grievances gave the rebels confidence in their
cause and delayed government intervention
Agree 2: Somerset’s Delays and Poor Military Strategy Gave the Rebels Time to Strengthen
delayed military action for three weeks, allowing the rebels to:
assembled 16,000 men at Mousehold Heath
seize Norwich (22 July 1549), England’s second-largest city
failed military response (Northampton’s attack, August 1549):
army was small, poorly led, and included unpopular foreign mercenaries
easily repulsed, boosting rebel confidence and weakening government control
Somerset’s continued negotiations encouraged the rebels:
exchanged letters with Kett, appearing to sympathise with their demands
instead of dispersing, the rebels became more entrenched in their positions
Somerset’s failure to act decisively early on allowed the rebellion to grow into a major
threat
Disagree 1: The Government’s Financial and Political Instability Limited Somerset’s
Options
Financial Crisis:
wars with Scotland (‘Rough Wooing’) and France had drained government funds
(£1.3 million spent)
raising an army immediately was not financially viable
unrest elsewhere in England:
simultaneous Western Rebellion (1549) meant government resources were divided
Somerset prioritised suppressing unrest in the West Country before dealing with Kett
Absence of the Duke of Norfolk:
as the leading noble in East Anglia, Norfolk would have been best placed to suppress
the rebellion
