Events of the Wyatt's Rebellion

The initialisation of the Wyatt's Rebellion

Oct 1, 1553

Some of the genrty at court (some whom were MP's, but not councillors) began to discuss the possibility of initialising a Protestant succession. Their plan meant that Mary would be deposed, and that Edawrd Courtenay (the Earl of Devon) would marry Princess Elizabeth (who would become queen).

The plans are completed

Dec 1, 1553

In december 1553, plans were concluded for several co-ordinated risings in Kent, Herefordshire, Devon and Leicestershire which they planned to happen on 18 March 1554. The gentry had secured foreign assistance from the French, whio would provide naval help in securing ports on the south west of the country.

Negotiations on the proposed marriage treaty

Dec 27, 1553

The Emperor's commisioners arrive in England to begin negotiations on the marriage treaty.

Terms of the marriage are announced

Jan 14, 1554

The terms of the marriage are announced by proclamation. This proked earlier action than the rebels had anticipated.

The plot is discovered

Jan 18, 1554

By mid-january, the court was made aware of the plotting through the imperial ambassador. Courtenay was made to confess all he knew. It was decided therefore, that the conspiritors must act immediately. 3 out of the 4 locations planned for the rebellions did not raise supporters, but in Kent, Sir Thomas Wyatt raised 2,500 armed men. However, he too was unprepared for the early action. He was unsable to gain support from the nobility, and had to repy on the the lower social ranks.

The scale of the rebellion

Jan 21, 1554

The lack of nationally known people amonst the group mean that they were unable to attract others to join their cause and therefore turn it into a large scale rebellion. However, it was still a cause for concern for the government.

Establishing the headquarters

Jan 25, 1554

On january 15th, Wyatt raised his standard at Maidstone and within 2 days had established his headquarters at Rochester. He was soon joined by further forces from other areas of the country which had been raliied by the anti-spanish propaganda issuing from Wyatt's camp. This propaganda made it difficult for loyalists in Kent to rally forces against him.

Mary's response

Jan 29, 1554

Mary acted before the troops grew any larger or stronger and her response was to send troops under the aged Duke of Norfolk to meet the rebels. However, this was not succesful as as many of the rebels deserted the Duke of Norfolk to join the rebels.

Wyatt reaches the Thames

Feb 3, 1554

On the 3rd Febuary, Wyatt eventually reaches the thames. This was a grave mistake as it gave London a chance to prepare for their attack. Upon arrival, the rebels waited, uncertain of their next action. It was not until Feb 6th that they finally crossed the River Thames at Knightsbridge.

Elizabeth is arrested

Feb 9, 1554

Princess Elizabeth is arrested for her supposed involvement in the plot.

The end of the rebellion

Feb 12, 1554

The main body of the rebels were attacked, but Wyatt was able to proceed to Charing Cross where government forces fled at the first shot. It appeared that the rebellion would be success and the government would be defeated, but this was not the case. Ludgate remained closed, and the rebels were forced to surrender.