The Kett's Rebellion Of 1549-1563

Historian Whitney Jones developed this view in his The Mid-Tudor Crisis 1539-1563, in which he argued that there were in fact eight key factors of the “crisis”. The first being weak rulers, he argues that Edward VI was just the hostage of Somerset and Northumberland, and gave his interpretation of how Somerset genuinely cared about the English people, but was a poor politician due to his policies being a major cause of the 1549 rebellions. Furthermore Jones argues that Northumberland was the better politician, but his policies were morally questionable, and only truly benefitted the rich at the expense of the poor with so many already in poverty. He also argues that Mary I was intolerant and very opinionated; this was demonstrated by the burning of heretics. She appeared to be controlled by Philip of Spain. The second

Rebellions also played a part in the “crisis”, such as The Western Rebellion of 1549 that was largely a reaction to Somerset’s religious reforms. The Kett’s Rebellion of 1549, which was caused by economic factors and also the Wyatt’s Rebellion can be traced to being caused by Mary’s marriage to Philip, among other factors. The instability of the government was also argued by Jones to be a key element. After a power fight between radical and conservative factors within Henry’s government, Somerset rose to power. Even though his brother had been executed Somerset nevertheless continued to be the victim of rebellion, ultimately helping Northumberland rise to power. Also Northumberland himself had to put an end to an attempted coup by Somerset. Furthermore there were many foreign policy failures such as Somerset’s war with Scotland that was equally unsuccessful and ended by Northumberland. This war also led to economic problems within England as well as social unrest and Mary’s war with