Edexcel – Unit 1 - Access to History 2

Access to History Online Edexcel Unit 3 – A1 Protest, Crisis and Rebellion in England,1536–88strength lay in a series of attacks across thecountry launched simultaneously. This aspect of theplan failed, and therefore Wyatt’s most effectiveweapon was rendered useless.As Source 3 states, outside Kent there was littleanti-Spanish feeling. Conspirators in more northernparts of the country, whether they appealed topatriotism or to religion, were unable to inspirepopular support. For example, the Duke of Suffolkcould only raise an army of 140 men to support therebellion. In London too, there was little support forthe rebellion, and the lack of popular supportexplains, in part, Wyatt’s final defeat and capture atLudgate. The lack of popular support, coupled withthe failure of action across the country, indicatesthat Wyatt’s rebellion posed little threat to Mary’spower.Source 1 suggests that Wyatt and his Kentish forcewere the rebellion’s best hope. Wyatt was a skilledmilitary leader in command of a considerable forceclose to the country’s capital. What is more, Source2 claims that ‘the queen’s catholic friends had beenineffectual in the crisis’, indicating that Wyatt hadthe military advantage. Nonetheless, Wyatt’s‘hesitation and delay’ cost him dearly. Wyatt wastedtime besieging Cooling Castle and, whilst on theoutskirts of London, delayed his attack further byagreeing to negotiate with Mary. His indecision gaveMary and her allies time to prepare (Source 1) andallowed the Earl of Pembroke to desert Wyatt andjoin the Queen’s side (Source 2).In conclusion, the Wyatt Rebellion did pose aserious threat to Mary’s authority. His conspiracyhad considerable support among the elite, and theirplan to launch simultaneous attacks across thecountry ‘came as close as any to overthrowing themonarchy’ (Source 1). What is more, Wyatt was askilled military leader who, by appealing topatriotism and anti-Catholic feeling, assembled asizeable army in Kent. Nonetheless, while the planwas theoretically dangerous, in practice, eventsfavoured the Queen. The leaking of the plan(Source 2 and Source 3), the lack of popularsupport, and his hesitation (Source 1) gave theQueen time to prepare (Source 2) and thereforeWyatt’s audacious plan came to nothing. Wyattfailed to put Elizabeth on the throne and failed tostop the alliance between England and Spain (6).(6) The conclusionsummarises the essay, givingboth sides of the argument,and uses all three sources. Itbuilds on the distinction set upin the introduction betweenthe theoretical danger and thepractical result of theconspiracy.© Hodder Education 2011