Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that
enclosure was the main cause of unrest in 1549.
Source A: The Privy Council, in the name of Edward VI, writes to the Norfolk rebels.
We have been informed that you have assembled in large companies in very disordered fashion. You have forgotten the Bible which teaches obedience to the King. We have always been ready to address your grievances, and have sent commissioners to reform enclosures. You make humble petition to us for further reform and we will ensure that rents are returned to their old levels. Other reforms will be discussed in the next Parliament. We urge you now to return quietly to your homes.
Edward VI, letter to the Commons assembled in Norfolk, 18 July 1549
Source B: An ambassador in England writes a brief account of the risings of 1549.
The revolt of the peasants has increased and spread, so that now they have risen in every part of England, asking for things just and unjust. They demand they may use the land that once used to be public property, and that land leased to them shall be considered to be of the same value now as in the time of Henry VII, who died in 1509. The last request is very difficult to meet. In Kent and Essex the risings ended when foodstuffs were taxed at a reasonable price. There is no mention of religion made among any of them, except in Cornwall and Devon.
François van der Delft, letter to Emperor Charles V, 19 July 1549
Source C: A Commonwealth writer comments on the behaviour of landlords.
Contrary to the law against oppression and extortion, you have enclosed from the poor their common land, levied greater entry fees payable on new leases, excluded them from their rightful use of the common land, and raised their rents. What obedience did you show when the King’s proclamations were sent forth to open up your enclosures, and yet you continued to enclose? If you had loved your country, would you not have prevented the recent great destruction which followed from your incurable greed?
Robert Crowley, The Way to Wealth, 1550
Source D: From about 1550 Edward VI began to keep a journal of major events. Here he describes the unrest of 1549.
The people began to rise up in Wiltshire, where Sir William Herbert did put them down, over-run and slay them. Then they rose up in Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and elsewhere, where by fair persuasions they were often satisfied, but again, because certain commissions were sent to pull down enclosures, they did then rise up again.
Because there was a rumour I was dead, I rode through London.
After that, they rose up in Oxfordshire, Devonshire, Norfolk and Yorkshire.
Once they were crushed, the Privy Council, about 19 of them, were gathered in London to meet with the Lord Protector and to make him amend some of his disorders.
King Edward VI, Chronicle
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Answer
