1. Why did the Northern Rebellion of 1569 fail?

2. Learning objective – to be able to assess the different reasons why the Northern Rebellion failed.
I can describe the key reasons why the Northern Rebellion failed.
Grade 3
I can explain the key reasons why the Northern Rebellion failed.
Grade 6
I can explain and assess the reasons why the Northern Rebellion failed.
Grade 9

3. Starter Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain.
Fill your drawn brain with all the things you can remember abbout the causes of the Northern Rebellion. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.

4. How did the Norfolk Marriage Plot spark rebellion?
The discovery of the Norfolk marriage plot led to Norfolk being sent to the Tower. The earls of Northumberland and Westmorland feared arrest and decided to launch their planned rebellion anyway. On 8th November, the Earls ordered their tenants to join in with their rebellion to restore Catholicism in England. They marched on Durham Cathedral, expelling James Pilkington and destroying any evidence of Protestantism and held Mass.

5. To what extent did the rebellion spread beyond Durham?
The Earls appealed for support from Catholic nobles in neighbouring Lancashire and Cheshire as well Spain. However, no support was forthcoming. The rebels march south and by 22nd November are in control of much of the north east down to Braham Moor in York. The rebels retreat back to Durham once they hear that a huge Royal army is heading north led the the Earl of Sussex.

6. How was the government able to defeat the Northern Rebellion?
The Royal army had difficulty in raising men but they were able to pursue the rebels back to the North East. Despite taking Barnard Castle, the Earls fled to Scotland in December 1569, but Northumberland was captured by Scottish forces and handed back to Elizabeth, who later executed him. Westmorland evaded capture and fled abroad. Elizabeth confiscated all the property of the earls. Norfolk was eventually released while Mary, Queen of Scots was moved away from the north. Elizabeth, despite pressure from her Privy Council, refused to deal more harshly with Mary. In wanting to deter future potential rebels, Elizabeth ordered the execution of 700 rebels – but only 450 rebels were executed.

7. How was the government able to defeat the Northern Rebellion?
Why did it fail?
Earls were poor leaders
Unclear aims – replace Elizabeth or just free Mary?
Limited support
Effective government reaction

8. What was the significance of the Northern Rebellion?
It was the first and most serious rebellious act by English Catholics. The lack of domestic support for the rebels as well as the eventual size of the Royal army demonstrated the popularity of Elizabeth. It led to harsher treatment of English Catholics, such as \the Earl of Huntingdon’s measures in surpressing Catholicism in the north. The revolt encouraged Pope Pius VI to excommunicate Elizabeth. His papal Bull not only excommunicated Elizabeth but also encouraged her assassination. This marked a turning point in the relationship between Elizabeth and Catholics, who now became a greater threat to her.

9. Task
Write a three bullet points which contains evidence for each of the following headings. Each heading refers to a reason why the Northern Rebellion failed.
Rebel leadership
Rebel aims
Lack of domestic support
Threat of Foreign support
Effective Government response

10. Bankrupt
Elizabeth I
Extension Task
Draw the continuum line below and place each of the five reasons that help explain the failure of the Northern Rebellion. Write one sentence explaining each of your five judgements.
This revolt had no chance of success
This revolt had some chance of success
This revolt had a high chance of success

11. Exam Practice – Home Learning
Complete the four mark question –
Describe two features of the Northern Rebellion.

12. Plenary – a touch of Scrabble
The mystery word that relates to this lesson is worth
12 points
..... Using the Scrabble score card, can you work out which word it is?