Mercy and Liberality: The Aftermath of the 1569 Northern Rebellion

Abstract

This article examines how the English crown turned the challenge posed by the 1569 Northern Rebellion to its financial and political advantage. In the aftermath of the revolt, the dictates of finance and patronage became intertwined with those of justice and mercy as Elizabeth with I sought profit from protest: from the disobedient she would gain the resources needed to cement the loyalty of others. After first examining the rebellion's financial cost to the crown, this article then turns to the fines and forfeitures extracted from the rebels. These provided Elizabeth with not just financial benefits but also valuable political capital for patronage and reward. Finally, the article assesses the effects of Elizabeth's pursuit of profit upon the tenants and especially the families of the rebels. For the rebels' wives and widows, the implications of coverture and attainder combined in ways that left them more fully at the mercy of the queen and with much incentive for obedience. Often extolled for her talents in the public theatre of politics, Elizabeth also proved adept at the physical, material and financial repression of the 'rebellious instinct'.

Review of periodical literature published in 2005

“…This opposition had material consequences. Kesselring examines how the imposition of royal fines on the area after the 1569 rebellion created both financial opportunities and political leverage (and patronage) for the crown, but weighed heavily on the wives and widows of rebellious landholders. Mills illustrates the effects of fiscal penalties on the Forsett family, minor gentry in Lincolnshire, whose modest annual rental income was precarious in the face of recusancy fines of £20 per month after 1580.…”