On this day in Tudor history, 8th July 1549, in the reign of King Edward VI, Kett's Rebellion began.
Robert Kett, a Norfolk farmer, agreed to lead a group of protesters who were angry with the enclosure of common land. The protesters marched on Norwich, and by the time they reached the city walls, it is said that they numbered around 16,000.
They attacked the city on 22nd July and took it, but after initially beating a force led by the Marquis of Northampton, the rebels were defeated at the Battle of Dussindale on 27th August by a force led by John Dudley, Earl of Warwick. There were heavy losses on both sides.
Kett and his brother, William, were captured, tried for treason and hanged on 7th December 1549.
Also on this day in Tudor history...
Leave a Reply