UDC

94(410)“1485/1603”

DOI

1 0.17238/issn2227-6564.2019.4.44

Authors

Tat’yana B. Sorokina
Arzamas Branch of National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod; ul. K. Marksa 36, Arzamas, 607224, Nizhegorodskaya obl., Russian Federation; e-mail: sorok-tat@yandex.ru

Abstract

This article is devoted to the events of 1489, when the North of England once more became a hotbed of a powerful anti-government uprising. The author attempted to identify the causes and nature of this popular protest in the context of a many years’ crisis in the second half of the 15th century in England. The rebellion, on the one hand, evidenced the hardships of the masses under growing tax oppression, while on the other, it once again confirmed the fact that the North of England held a special place in the political and economic life of the country. Due to poor centralization, the government in London had neither sufficient power nor means to neutralize and finally include the North in its sphere of influence. Henry Tudor’s accession to the throne not only failed to put an end to feudal anarchy, but also contributed to greater turmoil in the country. The events of 1489 in the North chime in with the preceding political fight in England. Contrary to the widespread idea of Richard III being an unpopular ruler, the majority of socially active groups of northerners continued to sympathize with the deceased king, especially as the winners launched repressions and confiscations primarily against his most active associates – the population of northern counties. In the course of suppression of the rebellion, Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland, was murdered by citizens of York. This event is directly linked to the antecedent history. The Earl of Northumberland’s betrayal in the Battle of Bosworth Field, which led to the death of Richard III, did not go unpunished. Having suppressed the rebellion, the government of Henry VII had to tighten the control over these territories and look for ways to further eliminate northern separatism.

Keywords

North of England, Henry VII, Earl of Northumberland, Richard III, rebellion, Yorkshire

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