Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 3 Renewed crises and…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 3 Renewed crises and challenges, c1449–61: The reasons for, events, and significance of, Cade's rebellion 1450.
Cade's rebellion in 1450 arose from deep grievances over heavy taxation, corruption, and the loss of France, compounded by the murder of the Duke of Suffolk.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Cade's rebellion in 1450 arose from deep grievances over heavy taxation, corruption, and the loss of France, compounded by the murder of the Duke of Suffolk. Led by Jack Cade, rebels marched on London, demanding political reform. They defeated royal forces at Sevenoaks and occupied London, executing unpopular officials like the Treasurer, Lord Saye. The rebellion was eventually suppressed, but its significance was profound: it exposed the depth of popular discontent and the weakness of Henry VI's government. It influenced later Yorkist propaganda and highlighted the breakdown of law and order, contributing significantly to the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses.
What earns the marks
- Identifies the reasons for the rebellion: high taxes, lawlessness, corrupt officials, and the unpopularity of Suffolk and his affinity.
- Describes the key events: the rebel assembly at Blackheath, the battle at Sevenoaks, the occupation of London, and the execution of the Treasurer.
- Explains the significance: it demonstrated widespread dissatisfaction with Henry VI's rule and showed the potential for popular uprising.
- Analyses the rebellion's impact on royal authority, including the subsequent crackdown, executions, and the issuing of pardons.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Viewing Cade's rebellion as a purely peasant uprising.
Put it right: It included gentry and merchants, though notably no peers participated, and it had political aims beyond economic grievance.
Exaggerating the rebellion's immediate success.
Put it right: Although London was occupied, the rebels were eventually dispersed and many were executed; it did not achieve lasting reform.
Ignoring the link to Suffolk's murder.
Put it right: Suffolk's death in 1450 fuelled the rebellion; rebels saw him as a symbol of corruption, and his removal did not quell discontent.
Exam tips
- Use specific demands from the rebels' manifesto, such as the removal of corrupt officials, to illustrate their reasons and aims.
- When discussing significance, refer to how the rebellion was used by Yorkist propagandists to discredit Henry VI's government.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 3 Renewed crises and challenges, c1449–61: The reasons for, events, and significance of, Cade's rebellion 1450. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Who led the Kentish rebellion that entered London in the summer of 1450?
Listen
Cade's rebellion in 1450 arose from deep grievances over heavy taxation, corruption, and the loss of France, compounded by the murder of the Duke of Suffolk. Led by Jack Cade, rebels marched on London, demanding political reform. They defeated royal forces at Sevenoaks and occupied London, executing unpopular officials like the Treasurer, Lord Saye. The rebellion was eventually suppressed, but its significance was profound: it exposed the depth of popular discontent and the weakness of Henry VI's government. It influenced later Yorkist propaganda and highlighted the breakdown of law and order, contributing significantly to the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies the reasons for the rebellion: high taxes, lawlessness, corrupt officials, and the unpopularity of Suffolk and his affinity. Describes the key events: the rebel assembly at Blackheath, the battle at Sevenoaks, the occupation of London, and the execution of the Treasurer. Explains the significance: it demonstrated widespread dissatisfaction with Henry VI's rule and showed the potential for popular uprising. Analyses the rebellion's impact on royal authority, including the subsequent crackdown, executions, and the issuing of pardons. A common slip: Viewing Cade's rebellion as a purely peasant uprising. Instead, It included gentry and merchants, though notably no peers participated, and it had political aims beyond economic grievance. Exam tip: Use specific demands from the rebels' manifesto, such as the removal of corrupt officials, to illustrate their reasons and aims.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Popular rebellion and political discontent
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The breakdown of law and order
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The role of propaganda and public opinion
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See every definition
- Popular rebellion and political discontent
- Cade's rebellion arose from deep grievances over heavy taxation, corruption and the loss of France, and exposed the depth of popular discontent.
- The breakdown of law and order
- The rebellion highlighted the breakdown of law and order, contributing significantly to the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses.
- The role of propaganda and public opinion
- The rebellion influenced later Yorkist propaganda, and Yorkist propagandists used it to discredit Henry VI's government.
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