Essex's Rebellion
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 5.2.2
Essex's Rebellion
Lots of people thought women could not rule and this created problems. The Earl of Essex led an important rebellion in 1601 against Elizabeth.
Causes of rebellion
- Essex had successfully led the forces which attacked the Spanish port of Cadiz in 1596.
- When he returned, an argument at court resulted in Elizabeth hitting him on the head after he turned his body away from her.
- He had to be restrained by fellow courtiers and was placed under house arrest.
Essex in Ireland
- Essex was sent to Ireland but failed to deal with the rebellion there and fell out of favour.
- He lost his sweet wine monopoly, and with it power and influence.
Course of rebellion
- Because of his fall from favour, he gathered forces to lead a rebellion. He took four privy councillors hostage in February 1601.
- His rival Robert Cecil called him a traitor, and many of his approximately 200 supporters deserted him. Essex was arrested along with his remaining followers.
Consequences of rebellion
- This was the final challenge to Elizabeth’s authority and it was defeated easily.
Test yourself on Essex's Rebellion
What had Essex done in 1596?
Key Events in Essex's Career between 1596 and 1601