Wyatt's rebellion facts for kids
Wyatt's Rebellion was a small uprising in England in 1554. It was led by Sir Thomas Wyatt and three other men. The rebellion got its name from a lawyer who said it would always be called 'Wyatt's Rebellion'. People were worried because Queen Mary I planned to marry Philip II, a prince from Spain. They also feared Mary would bring back Catholicism and the Pope's power in England. The rebellion failed, and the people involved faced different outcomes, from punishment to being forgiven.
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Why Did Wyatt's Rebellion Happen?
Historians have different ideas about why the rebellion started. Some say it was mostly about politics and power. Others believe it was more about religion, as many leaders were Protestants who opposed Queen Mary's Catholic beliefs. In the 1500s, religion and politics were often closely linked in England.
Political Worries About a Foreign Marriage
Most English people expected Queen Mary to marry. However, they did not want her to marry a foreigner. They feared a foreign husband would let another country control English affairs. In November 1553, a group from Parliament asked the Queen to choose an English husband. Many hoped she would pick her relative, Edward Courtenay.
But Mary's cousin, Emperor Charles V, who was King of Spain, saw a chance for Spain to become even more powerful. He suggested his son Philip marry Mary. Mary believed that marrying Philip would keep England safe by strengthening ties with the powerful Habsburgs family.
A marriage agreement was presented in December 1553. Even though it seemed to protect England's interests, many still worried. They feared England would get pulled into Philip's wars. They also worried England would become just a small part of the Spanish Empire. Landowners and members of Parliament were especially concerned. They knew they would have to pay more taxes to fund these wars. Many also remembered stories of the Spanish Inquisition, a harsh religious court. Some even knew people who had suffered from it.
It wasn't just the English who were worried. France also feared an alliance between England and Spain. The French ambassador, Antoine de Noailles, even threatened war. He started looking for unhappy people in England to cause trouble. By Christmas 1553, anti-Spanish songs and papers were being passed around London.
Religious Concerns About Catholicism
Queen Mary I was a strong Catholic. Many people feared she would bring back the pope as the head of the Church of England. They worried she would undo the religious changes made by her father, Henry VIII, and her half-brother, Edward VI. Mary strongly disagreed with Henry's changes to church services. She saw supporting the Pope as her personal mission. Her beliefs were so strong that she continued to have traditional Latin church services in her private chapel. This was even after Edward's Parliament made English services mandatory. When this was forbidden, Mary asked Charles V for help. He even threatened England with war if Mary's religion was bothered.
Mary became queen in July 1553. In August, she made a rule that stopped Protestant preaching. This made Protestants very worried. It also concerned many Catholics who did not want the Pope to control the English church again. These fears grew stronger with her planned marriage to Philip. He was known as the most powerful and Catholic ruler in Europe.
Other Reasons for Unrest
Besides the leaders' beliefs, the rebellion also gave ordinary people a chance to show their unhappiness. Farmers, laborers, and city workers used the uprising to express their social and economic problems. While not everyone joined, the rebellion showed that many English people were unhappy for various reasons.
Who Were the Main Rebels?
The main leaders of the rebellion were Sir Thomas Wyatt, Sir James Croft, Sir Peter Carew, and the Duke of Suffolk.
Sir Thomas Wyatt
Wyatt owned a lot of land in Kent and had great power there. He first supported Mary as queen. But he was against her marriage to Philip. He said it would lead to "miserable servitude" and bring back "popish religion." However, Wyatt told others not to use religion as the main reason for the rebellion. He said, "you must only make your quarrel for overrunning by strangers." He secretly admitted that the real goal was to bring back Protestantism.
Wyatt was known for being impulsive and wild. He once spent a month in the Tower of London for a street fight. He had also helped create a local militia in Kent. This allowed him to quickly gather armed men. Like many others, Wyatt relied on the Queen's council for his job and money. Not being Catholic could put that at risk, which might have been another reason for him to rebel.
Sir James Croft
James Croft came from an important family in Herefordshire. Unlike Wyatt, Croft did not make strong statements about Mary's marriage. So, his reasons for joining the rebellion are less clear. He wasn't very religious but likely preferred Protestantism. He supported Protestant efforts when he was Lord Deputy of Ireland. Croft's military background probably influenced his decision. He also likely worried about his future money, especially since Mary already disliked him before the rebellion.
Sir Peter Carew
Carew was a Member of Parliament for Devon. He was an adventurer who loved the sea. His friends said he was a strong supporter of the Protestant faith. The Spanish ambassador called Carew "the greatest heretic and rebel in England." He noted that Carew supported Courtenay as Mary's husband and opposed bringing back Catholicism. Like Wyatt and Croft, Carew feared a Spanish marriage would hurt his career.
Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk
The Duke of Suffolk was also a leader in the plot. He was known as a "hearty Friend unto the Gospel" and remained Protestant until his death. He was the father of Lady Jane Grey. She had been declared queen after Edward VI died, in a failed attempt to stop Mary from becoming queen.
William Thomas
Thomas was a strong Protestant. Some historians believe he was the first leader of the rebellion.
Edward Courtenay
Courtenay was a great-grandson of Edward IV. He was also the last living member of the House of Plantagenet royal family. Many English people preferred Courtenay as Mary's husband. They saw him as a noble and charming man after his long time in prison.
Other Rebels
Many more people joined the rebellion. Records show about 750 names, often with their jobs and hometowns. Their exact roles are not always clear. Some well-known names include Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, who wished everyone could live safely by their own beliefs. Others were Sir Henry Isley, Lords John and Thomas Grey (Suffolk's brothers), Sir Nicholas Arnold, and Leonard Digges, a mathematician.
The Plan for Rebellion
Some historians say William Thomas was the first to plan the rebellion. His idea involved killing Queen Mary. Wyatt learned about this plot and strongly disagreed with it.
Around November 26, 1553, a new plan began to form. This one was led by Wyatt, Croft, Carew, and Suffolk. Their first idea was to start an uprising in Devonshire. This was where Philip was expected to land, and Carew and Courtenay had supporters there. By Christmas 1553, they decided each of the four leaders would raise forces in their own areas. They would then all meet in London on March 18, 1554. This was just before Philip was expected to arrive from Spain. Their goal was to replace Mary with her half-sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth would then marry Courtenay. Meanwhile, French ships would stop Philip from reaching England.
Some historians also mention a "voice in the wall" connected to the rebellion. It's unclear if this was part of Wyatt's plan or something else. A young girl, Elizabeth Croft, hid in a wall in London. She pretended to be a spirit and spoke against Mary, Philip, and Catholic practices. She was eventually found and confessed.
The Rebellion Begins
To succeed, the rebellion needed many people. Rumors spread quickly, some true, some not. As early as December 29, 1553, Spain's ambassador, Simon Renard, told Mary about a suspected plot. He said some people were trying to get Courtenay to take over the Tower of London.
Carew Escapes
Some rumors came from Devon, where Carew was openly trying to get support. He managed to take over Exeter Castle. However, Carew didn't have enough influence in Devon to fully carry out his part of the plan. This was partly because he had helped stop the Prayer Book Rebellion in 1549. Carew's actions caught the attention of the Queen's council. On January 7, 1554, they ordered him to appear before them. If he came, they would imprison him. If he didn't, it would show he was guilty. Carew did not appear. The council then ordered the sheriff of Devon to bring him in. The sheriff warned Carew, who then sold his farm and fled to France on January 25, 1554.
In France, Carew was welcomed. He was tasked with encouraging others to join France's support for the rebellion. The French gave them weapons, ships, and money. They attacked Flemish and Spanish ships, vowing to stop Philip from reaching England. Mary was worried by these desertions and demanded that King Henry II of France capture them. He refused. Over time, the rebels in France ran out of money and returned to England. Carew, however, stayed in France until summer 1554, then went to Italy.
Courtenay Arrested
Shortly before Carew fled, Courtenay was arrested. He admitted that people had talked to him about "several things touching religion and the marriage." His confessions on January 21 led to more arrests. It became clear the rebellion could not wait until March 18. The next day, Wyatt met with his main supporters. They decided to start the rebellion in three days.
Suffolk Hides
On January 25, the day the rebellion was to start, a messenger from Mary arrived to tell Suffolk to come to court. Suffolk pretended to be ready to ride to her. He gave the messenger a reward and escaped. Suffolk quickly gathered money and rode to Lutterworth, where others joined him. On January 29, Suffolk read Wyatt's message in Leicester. The next day, he led his troops toward Coventry. He expected supporters there to open the city gates. But since the rebellion was now known, the gates were closed and defended.
Suffolk was ill. Learning he was wanted, he hid with his brother, Lord John Grey. They hid in a gamekeeper's cottage, planning to escape abroad. Thinking the cottage wasn't safe, Suffolk then hid inside an old, hollow tree. He stayed there for two days and a night in the cold winter, without food. The gamekeeper betrayed Suffolk, either for the reward or from fear. When soldiers arrived, they found Suffolk warming himself by a fire, unable to bear the cold any longer. His brother was found under some hay. Both were arrested and sent to the Tower of London.
Croft Surrenders
Croft had a bit more success than Suffolk. He left London to gather forces in Wales. Several local trained forces joined him. This caught the attention of the Council, who sent orders to stop the rebels. Unable to defeat the Council's troops, Croft and his forces camped by a stream. They waited for more help from Wales. However, the Council's troops surrounded the camp, cutting off their food. Croft's forces tried to fight their way out. Most were killed or captured. Unable to continue, Croft surrendered and was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Wyatt Keeps Fighting
Wyatt started the uprising on January 25, 1554. He raised his flag at Maidstone. Church bells rang, and a message was read, saying Mary's marriage to Philip would bring "miserable servitude" and "popish religion." Wyatt set up his base at Rochester. By January 27, he had about 2,000 men from various towns.
On January 28, a group of about 500 rebels headed to Rochester to join Wyatt. They met about 600 of Mary's supporters. The rebels were defeated, and 60 were captured. Around the same time, 500 "Whitecoats" (soldiers in white uniforms) were sent from London. They were led by the elderly Duke of Norfolk. But instead of attacking, the Whitecoats joined the rebels, shouting, "We are all Englishmen!" Wyatt had also captured some of Mary's ships and cannons. With the Whitecoats, his forces grew to about 3,000. The Whitecoats urged him to quickly march on London.
Three days later, the rebels were on their way to London. Mary sent delegates to discuss Wyatt's complaints. The delegates said Mary wanted to understand why he rebelled. This would make him a traitor, as he had claimed loyalty to the Crown. This seemed like an offer to talk, but Mary's real goals were to gain time and learn Wyatt's reasons. If Wyatt refused to talk, Mary could say he wanted the crown and planned to ruin England. Wyatt replied that he was no traitor. He said the rebellion aimed to stop England from being taken over by foreigners. The delegates then offered for Wyatt to meet Mary. Wyatt agreed but demanded control of the Tower of London and the power to replace some of Mary's council members.
Mary received Wyatt's answer the next day (February 1). The French ambassador noted that if Wyatt had reached London at the same time, the city gates would have opened. Instead, Wyatt's delay gave Mary time to use his words against him. She gave a powerful speech at the Guildhall that day. She spoke of wanting to end the rebellion with mercy, not violence. She shared Wyatt's "insolent and proud answer." She also spoke about her marriage to Philip, saying she was already married to the people of England. Mary's speech was a huge success. The next day, about 25,000 people were ready to protect her and London. Wyatt's forces had grown to about 15,000 men. Mary also declared Wyatt a traitor and offered £100 for his capture.
Wyatt arrived at Southwark on February 2. He planned to cross the River Thames at London Bridge. But the gates were closed, and the drawbridge was down. Southwark residents saw the Tower of London's guns aimed at them and begged Wyatt to leave. On February 6, he marched to Kingston at night, hoping to surprise Mary at dawn. The bridge there was broken, but Wyatt's men fixed it and crossed. They continued toward London. Wyatt lost time fixing a broken cannon he refused to leave. He also lost the element of surprise, and many of his men deserted. As Wyatt continued, he faced artillery fire and attacks from horsemen. When his remaining force reached Ludgate, they found it defended. Wyatt turned back toward Westminster. He met forces loyal to Mary, and a brief fight followed. Wyatt met a messenger who urged him to surrender for the Queen's pardon. Wyatt gave up, and he and his main supporters were taken to the Tower of London.
Elizabeth Summoned
Elizabeth was not actively involved in the rebellion. However, Mary suspected she was. Mary had Elizabeth watched constantly. She worried Elizabeth might hide before there was enough proof to arrest her. Mary sent Elizabeth a letter on January 26, 1554, asking her to come stay for her own protection. But Mary intended to arrest Elizabeth upon arrival. Elizabeth likely sensed the trap. She refused, saying she was too ill to travel.
What Happened After the Rebellion?
General Outcomes
The end of the rebellion began on February 5, 1554. An intercepted letter from the French ambassador, Noailles, was decoded. It showed the rebellion's goal was to remove Mary and put Elizabeth on the throne. The letter did not show Elizabeth was involved. But it did reveal Courtenay's role, which he had not confessed earlier. Two days later, a public announcement was made. It said anyone hiding a rebel would face death. Hundreds of rebels were turned in. So many were captured that prisons couldn't hold them all. Churches were used to house them. They expected to be hanged for treason.
Executions of common prisoners began on February 12, 1554. Gallows were set up all over London. For weeks, prisoners were tried daily. Many were hanged, and their bodies were often cut into pieces and displayed. But out of about 3,000 captured rebels, only about 150 were executed. The rest were only imprisoned for a few days. Those held longer were freed on January 20, 1555, at Philip's request. Lady Jane Grey and her husband Lord Guildford Dudley were also executed, even though they had no part in the rebellion. Mary also rewarded her key supporters with large payments.
The small number of executions worried the Spanish ambassador. He thought Mary was too soft on the rebels, making England unsafe for Philip. Charles V also believed the alliance would fail if Elizabeth lived. But Elizabeth had powerful friends and was popular. So, action against her needed clear proof. To get evidence against Elizabeth, suspects were held without knowing their fate. This was to make them accuse her in hopes of a pardon. Torture was also used to get desired evidence. Those questioning the leaders reportedly used "trick" questions to get the answers they wanted.
Wyatt's Fate
As a leader, Wyatt's trial was delayed from his surrender on February 7, 1554, until March 15. During this time, he was questioned. He gave some limited information. He named Sir William St. Loe, Elizabeth's servant, as starting the rebellion. This indirectly suggested Elizabeth's involvement. He also said Croft knew more. When Wyatt finally went to trial, he pleaded guilty to treason. He claimed he never meant to harm Mary. He only wanted to stop "strangers and Spaniards" from coming to England. He offered to reveal "great discoveries" if his life was spared. He claimed Courtenay started the rebellion for his own gain. Wyatt also accused Elizabeth of being involved.
Whatever the court thought of Wyatt's words, it wasn't enough to save him. He was sentenced to death by hanging, with his body to be cut into pieces. However, his execution was delayed. They hoped to learn more from him. Wyatt was finally executed on April 11, 1554. He did not provide any significant information to accuse Elizabeth. Before he was hanged, he declared that neither Elizabeth nor Courtenay were involved. He admitted he had said differently at his trial. He said, "That which I said then I said, but that which I say now is true." Soon after, Wyatt's property was taken by the Crown. Most of it was given to those who helped stop the rebellion.
Croft's Fate
After surrendering, Croft was imprisoned in the Tower of London on February 21, 1554. Like Wyatt, Croft's trial was delayed for over a month, until April 17, then postponed to April 28. Croft was also "marvellously tossed and examined" about Elizabeth. At his trial, Croft confirmed Wyatt's accusation that Elizabeth's servant, St. Loe, started the plot. He also confessed that the French ambassador, Noailles, had promised French support. Croft was found guilty of "high treason" and "bad judgment." But the Earl of Arundel spoke for Croft. He was pardoned and released from the Tower on January 18, 1555. He had to promise good behavior and pay a fine of £500.
Carew's Fate
Carew stayed in Italy until spring 1556. His wife managed to get the Council to obtain a pardon for him from Philip. With a friend, he set out for Antwerp. But they were ambushed, blindfolded, taken to the coast, and put into a fishing boat. They had no idea where they were going and feared for their lives. When they heard a bell that Carew recognized as the Tower Bell, their hopes rose. Carew was soon set free after paying a fine.
Suffolk's Fate
Because of Suffolk's part in the rebellion, his daughter Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford Dudley were beheaded on February 12. This was five days before Suffolk's trial on February 17, 1554. Suffolk was proud in defending himself. He immediately challenged the judge, asking if it was treason for a nobleman like him to raise support to keep foreigners out of the country. The judge did not answer. When his resistance to the Queen's forces was brought up, Suffolk again gave an arrogant reply. This gave the court what it needed to convict him. He was sent back to the Tower, his arrogance gone. He was beheaded six days later.
Elizabeth's Fate
After the rebellion, Charles V told Mary in March that she needed to protect his son Philip in England. He wanted "immediate and summary" judgment for both Courtenay and Elizabeth. He said Mary now had a chance to do her duty to the church. But Elizabeth was very popular and had powerful friends, like the Lord Admiral of England. So, Charles concluded that proof of Elizabeth's involvement was needed before any judgment. Mary again summoned Elizabeth to London. Assuming Elizabeth's earlier illness claim was a trick, Mary sent two of her own doctors and three Council members. The doctors found Elizabeth was truly ill. But they said she could still travel to London, despite her fears it could kill her. They brought Mary's special chair for her. They traveled in stages, no more than eight miles a day. Elizabeth arrived in London on February 23. Her chair curtains were open. She looked pale and wore white, with a proud expression. Mary refused to see Elizabeth. She placed her in a private part of her palace where guards watched everyone.
The Council was divided about Elizabeth. Many members supported her. This led to bitter arguments about what to do with her. On March 16, Elizabeth was questioned again. This time, those against her claimed there was enough evidence to send her to the Tower. Elizabeth's friends on the Council argued against it. But they gave in when asked who would be responsible for her if she wasn't in the Tower. Whoever took that responsibility would be in great danger. Elizabeth was not moved immediately. Fearing the Tower could mean her death, Elizabeth made one last written appeal to Mary. Mary still would not see her. In the letter, Elizabeth swore she was innocent and loyal to Mary. Mary did not answer. On March 18, Palm Sunday, Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower.
A few days after being imprisoned, Elizabeth was questioned again. Croft was present this time. The questioning was about a letter from Croft to Elizabeth, suggesting she move to a different property. Elizabeth protested the attempts to link her to the rebels. She asked why she needed to explain moving between her own houses. As Croft was led away, he knelt before Elizabeth. He said he was sad to be seen as a witness against her. He said he had been "marvellously tossed" when questioned about her. He also denied trying to involve Elizabeth in the rebellion, even if it meant death. In April, letters were spread in London. They were "as seditious as possible" and supported Lady Elizabeth. Some letters specifically said: "Stand firm and gather together, and we will keep the Prince of Spain from entering the kingdom." These letters may or may not have helped Elizabeth. But she was released from the Tower on May 19, 1554, though she was still kept confined.
St. Loe's Fate
Accused by both Wyatt and Croft, St. Loe was arrested and questioned in March 1554. He strongly denied the accusations and stated his loyalty. He was imprisoned in the Tower but later released.
Courtenay's Fate
Courtenay was imprisoned in the Tower on February 12, 1554. There, Wyatt confronted him in front of three witnesses. Wyatt claimed Courtenay was involved in the plot, which was planned for his benefit. Courtenay denied it. However, other prisoners also accused him and gave information about his role. But the law did not punish with death someone who only agreed to treason but did not act on it. Instead, they would get life in prison and lose all their property. Since there was no strong evidence that Courtenay had acted treasonously, the government sent him away to Italy. He lived there until his death two years later.
Thomas's Fate
While in the Tower waiting for trial, Thomas stabbed himself with a bread knife. He survived. He was brought to trial on May 9, 1554. Thomas was charged with writing down his plan to murder Mary. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. On May 18, he was hanged, beheaded, and quartered. Before he died, he strongly spoke against Mary and said he "died for his country."
Throckmorton's Fate
On April 17, 1554, Throckmorton was put on trial. He was accused of planning the Queen's death, starting a war, and helping the Queen's enemies. He was also accused of plotting to remove the Queen and take control of the Tower of London. His trial is important because he was the only rebel to be found not guilty. Treason trials in the 1500s were often unfair. Judges and lawyers would compete to insult the accused to show loyalty to the Crown. Throckmorton knew this and spoke against it. He even quoted the Bible, saying, "Cursed be he that doth his office craftily, corruptly, and maliciously."
Throckmorton also challenged second-hand stories. He demanded that his accusers come to court to speak in person so he could question them. This was refused. Testimony he gave in the Tower was read, but only parts of it. Throckmorton asked for it to be read fully, but was refused. Throughout his trial, he fought the charges. He "dissected the depositions with the skill of a practised pleader." At one point, Throckmorton said he felt the many questions were "a trap to catch others greater than himself." At the end of his trial, the jury's decision was "Not guilty." The jury was encouraged to change their minds. But the foreman said they reached the verdict "agreeably to all our consciences." Despite being found not guilty, Throckmorton was kept in prison for "other matters." As he left court, the crowd cheered. However, the jurors were not so lucky. They were arrested and kept in prison until winter. They were only released after paying a very high fine. After Mary's death, Throckmorton served Elizabeth as an ambassador to France and Scotland.
Lasting Impact of the Rebellion
Even though Wyatt's Rebellion failed quickly, it had some lasting effects. Many people, even some of his enemies, admired Wyatt's bravery. At his execution, people rushed to dip their handkerchiefs in his blood. "His legend was quickly being established." Many began to see Wyatt as a hero. Those who disliked Mary's marriage to Philip saw Wyatt and his followers as patriots, not traitors. Christopher Goodman, a clergyman from the 1500s, wrote:
"If it is treason to defend the Gospel and his country from cruel strangers and enemies, then was Wyatt a traitor and rebel. But if this was his duty, and all others that professed Christ amongst you, then are all such traitors, as did deceive him: and such as took not his part also, when time and occasion by him was justly offered."
Different Ways Names Were Spelled
Old writings often spell names in different ways. Here are some variations you might see:
- Wyatt: Wyat, Wyet, Wyatte, Wyate, Wiat
- Croft: Crofts, Croftes
- Carew: Carewe, Carow
- Mary: Marie
See also
In Spanish: Rebelión de Thomas Wyatt para niños
