Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the throne and trying to keep it, 1485–97: Resistance to taxation: causes, events and impact of the Yorkshire Rebellion 1489 and the Cornish Rebellion 1497.
This topic examines why taxation provoked rebellion in early Tudor England, focusing on Yorkshire (1489) and Cornwall (1497).
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This topic examines why taxation provoked rebellion in early Tudor England, focusing on Yorkshire (1489) and Cornwall (1497). Causes: taxation for defence of Brittany and for a Scottish campaign, compounded by local economic hardship and resentment at royal demands. Events: in 1489, Yorkshire rebels killed the Earl of Northumberland; Henry VII sent an army led by the Earl of Surrey, and the rebellion collapsed. In 1497, Cornish rebels marched to London, were defeated at Blackheath, and leaders were executed. Impact: both rebellions showed the limits of Tudor control, but Henry VII's swift military response and financial penalties strengthened royal authority and deterred future unrest.
What earns the marks
- Explains that the Yorkshire Rebellion (1489) was triggered by taxation granted by Parliament for the defence of Brittany, which many in Yorkshire saw as irrelevant to their region.
- Describes the events of the Yorkshire Rebellion: rebels murdered the Earl of Northumberland, then dispersed after the Earl of Surrey's forces approached; Henry VII's response combined force and mercy.
- Explains that the Cornish Rebellion (1497) arose from taxation to fund a campaign against Scotland, which Cornish people regarded as a distant threat and an unfair burden.
- Describes the events of the Cornish Rebellion: a march to London, defeat at Blackheath, and execution of leaders; Henry VII used the victory to reinforce royal authority.
- Analyses the impact of both rebellions: they exposed local grievances but also demonstrated Henry VII's ability to suppress dissent, and led to stricter financial controls and a more cautious approach to taxation.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the causes of the two rebellions.
Put it right: Link each rebellion to its specific tax demand.
Assuming the rebellions were purely economic.
Put it right: Include political and regional factors alongside taxation.
Overstating the impact: neither rebellion overthrew Henry VII.
Put it right: Emphasise that they were suppressed and ultimately strengthened royal control.
Exam tips
- Use precise dates and names: 1489, 1497, Earl of Northumberland, Earl of Surrey, Blackheath.
- Structure answers around causes, events and impact to ensure all parts of the question are covered.
- Compare the two rebellions to show understanding of patterns and differences in Tudor resistance.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 5 Henry VII: seizing the throne and trying to keep it, 1485–97: Resistance to taxation: causes, events and impact of the Yorkshire Rebellion 1489 and the Cornish Rebellion 1497. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In which year did the Yorkshire Rebellion against Henry VII's taxation take place?
Listen
This topic examines why taxation provoked rebellion in early Tudor England, focusing on Yorkshire (1489) and Cornwall (1497). Causes: taxation for defence of Brittany and for a Scottish campaign, compounded by local economic hardship and resentment at royal demands. Events: in 1489, Yorkshire rebels killed the Earl of Northumberland; Henry VII sent an army led by the Earl of Surrey, and the rebellion collapsed. In 1497, Cornish rebels marched to London, were defeated at Blackheath, and leaders were executed. Impact: both rebellions showed the limits of Tudor control, but Henry VII's swift military response and financial penalties strengthened royal authority and deterred future unrest. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains that the Yorkshire Rebellion (1489) was triggered by taxation granted by Parliament for the defence of Brittany, which many in Yorkshire saw as irrelevant to their region. Describes the events of the Yorkshire Rebellion: rebels murdered the Earl of Northumberland, then dispersed after the Earl of Surrey's forces approached; Henry VII's response combined force and mercy. Explains that the Cornish Rebellion (1497) arose from taxation to fund a campaign against Scotland, which Cornish people regarded as a distant threat and an unfair burden. Describes the events of the Cornish Rebellion: a march to London, defeat at Blackheath, and execution of leaders; Henry VII used the victory to reinforce royal authority. A common slip: Confusing the causes of the two rebellions: the Yorkshire Rebellion was against taxation for Brittany, while the Cornish Rebellion was against taxation for Scotland. Instead, link each rebellion to its specific tax demand. Exam tip: Use precise dates and names: 1489, 1497, Earl of Northumberland, Earl of Surrey, Blackheath.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Taxation and resistance
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Royal authority and rebellion
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Regional identity and grievance
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Consolidation of Tudor power
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See every definition
- Taxation and resistance
- Taxation granted by Parliament for defence of Brittany and for a Scottish campaign provoked rebellion in Yorkshire in 1489 and in Cornwall in 1497.
- Royal authority and rebellion
- Henry VII's swift military response and financial penalties strengthened royal authority and deterred future unrest, though both rebellions showed the limits of Tudor control.
- Regional identity and grievance
- Many in Yorkshire saw taxation for the defence of Brittany as irrelevant to their region, and Cornish people regarded taxation for a campaign against Scotland as a distant threat and an unfair burden.
- Consolidation of Tudor power
- The suppression of both rebellions led to stricter financial controls and a more cautious approach to taxation, reinforcing royal authority.
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