How far was religion a motivating factor for rebels in Tudor England?

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How far was religion a motivating factor for rebels in Tudor England?

During the sixteenth Century in Tudor England many rebellions took place due to certain changes that individuals regarded  as inadequate, these matters have been sub-divided into four groups which consist of religious, political, economic and social. The many triggers of a common rebellion involved the lack of communication technology, refusal of many individuals to follow orders or rules, government changes, congregations ignoring instruction and rumours. These factors will be explored in further depth stating what they are and how they had an impact on motivating rebellions, I will also explore which factor is of most significance.

The religious changes made by government and  monarchs throughout the sixteenth century was one of the factors why many parts of the country spiralled into rebellion; as this was an aspect shared by everyone. The pilgrimage of grace that took place in 1536 is an example of a rebellion were religion was the most dominant factor, this is evident in the imagery of the five wounds of Christ used  to represent their campaign, this same imagery is adopted in the Northern rebellion of 1569. The description used by the pilgrims for the title of their campaign reflects a religious journey which perhaps suggests their aims being spiritual and in name of religion. The rebels also swore an oath which meant they were undertaking the campaign in the name of Christ and the fact that it took place just after the closure of the smaller monasteries reveals religious intentions as churches and monasteries had a huge importance in peoples lives as they gave spiritual guidance, education for the poor and related to the needs of the ‘commoners’. therefore this made people uncertain for their futures. Also there was the changes  to tradition that Henry VIII applied such as making himself the head of church in place of the pope and authorising his divorce. D.G. Newcombe states in “Henry VIII and the English reformation” (1995) that “religious issues dominated the minds of those who rose”, this shows that he views religion as a motivating factor within the Pilgrimage of grace.

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Within the Western Rebellion of 1549 religion was also a main factor as due to the “Act of uniformity” which defined a certain manner of worship amongst all churches created much resentment. There was also the common changes to worship such as services were to be given in English instead of Latin, wine as well as bread offered to the congregations which implied priests had no special rights, the publishing of a new Prayer Book with protestant beliefs created much discontent. These very changes made by the government created resentment as the centuries of tradition and ways of conducting churches ...

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