The Pilgrimage of Grace

This section explains the Pilgrimage of Grace. The Pilgrimage of Grace was a major uprising in northern England that occurred in 1536, sparked by widespread discontent with the religious changes brought about by Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church. The rebellion was fuelled by a combination of religious, political, and economic grievances. The rebels, often referred to as Pilgrims, were particularly opposed to Henry’s actions during the English Reformation, including the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the establishment of the Church of England. The Pilgrimage of Grace was the largest and most serious revolt during Henry’s reign, demonstrating the deep divisions his reforms caused among ordinary people, clergy, and the nobility alike.

Why Were People Unhappy with the English Reformation?

Henry VIII’s religious changes caused great unrest, especially among people who had long followed Catholic traditions. The Reformation deeply impacted communities, particularly in the north of England, where the Catholic faith had been central to life for centuries.

Religious Faith:

• The Catholic Church had been the cornerstone of English religious and social life. For most people, Catholic religious practices provided comfort, security, and a sense of belonging.
• Monasteries and nunneries played essential roles in local communities by providing medical care, food for the poor, and shelter for travellers. They were often seen as pillars of society, offering support to those in need.
• With the closing of the monasteries and the break from traditional religious practices, many people felt their faith was under threat and that their way of life was being destroyed.

Economic Hardships:

• The common people were struggling economically, with rising food prices due to poor harvests and widespread poverty. The monasteries, which had often alleviated poverty, were now being closed and their resources seized by the Crown.
• Landowners were also displeased with the growing power of Thomas Cromwell, Henry’s chief minister, who had orchestrated the dissolution of the monasteries. Many felt that their influence at court was diminishing.

Political Discontent:

• Henry’s decision to break from the Pope and set up the Church of England alienated many, particularly in the north, where loyalty to Rome remained strong.
• The social and political changes imposed by Henry, especially the growing power of Thomas Cromwell, were viewed with increasing resentment by many of the nobility, who saw their traditional rights and power being undermined.

Events of the Pilgrimage of Grace

The Pilgrimage of Grace involved two separate uprisings, one in Lincolnshire and the other in Yorkshire, though it was the latter that became the more significant rebellion.

The Lincolnshire Rising:

• The rebellion began in Lincolnshire in October 1536, triggered by rising tensions over religious changes and the closure of local monasteries.
• News of the rebellion spread quickly, and the uprising gained momentum, drawing thousands of commoners and local gentry to join the cause.

The Yorkshire Rising:

• Robert Aske, a lawyer, became the leader of the Yorkshire portion of the rebellion after he encountered the Lincolnshire rebels while travelling to London. He was chosen to lead the revolt in Yorkshire due to his connections to the region.
• The uprising quickly gained strength, and rebels seized control of key locations such as Hull, Beverley, and the castles at York and Pontefract.
• Over 50,000 people from all walks of life, including knights, lords, and commoners, joined the rebellion and swore an oath to defend the Catholic faith and restore the Pope as the head of the Church in England.

The Pilgrim's Oath:

• The rebels, calling themselves "Pilgrims," pledged their loyalty to their cause through the Pilgrim’s Oath, which centred on the protection of Catholicism in England. They demanded that the Pope be reinstated, the monasteries be reopened, and that Thomas Cromwell be removed from power.

Henry VIII’s Reaction:

• In response to the threat posed by the rebels, Henry sent the Duke of Norfolk and an army of 5,000 men to confront the rebels. However, the size of the rebel forces far outnumbered the royal army.
• To avoid bloodshed, Norfolk agreed to negotiate with the rebel leaders in Doncaster, where a deal was struck. Henry promised:
  • A full pardon for the rebels.
  • No further monasteries would be closed.
  • A Parliament would be held in York to address grievances.
• In exchange, the rebels agreed to disband and return home. Robert Aske even travelled to London to spend Christmas with Henry, further showing the apparent peace settlement.

Betrayal and Renewed Rebellion:

• Despite the promises, Henry’s actions quickly betrayed the trust of the rebels. Troops were sent north to quash any further unrest.
• Frustrated by the lack of progress and the increasing presence of royal troops, the rebels resumed their attacks, retaking castles in Scarborough, Beverley, and Hull.
• Henry used these renewed attacks as justification for reasserting control. He demanded revenge for the perceived breach of agreement and began executing leaders of the rebellion.
• Robert Aske and other leaders were captured, tried, and executed. Aske was hanged at York Castle, marking the brutal end to the rebellion.

Impacts of the Pilgrimage of Grace

Although the rebellion was defeated, its consequences were felt across England in several key areas:

Religious Impacts:

• The rebellion did not achieve its religious aims. The monasteries were not reopened, and the Pope was not restored as the head of the Church in England.
• The Dissolution of the Monasteries continued, and by the end of Henry’s reign, all monastic houses in England had been closed. Religious services and practices continued to evolve, increasingly aligning with Protestant doctrines.

Political Impacts:

• Despite the rebellion, Henry emerged as a powerful ruler. His control over both the Church and the state remained strong.
• To strengthen his authority in the north, Henry reorganised the Council of the North, placing loyal noblemen in charge of the region. This allowed him to maintain a firm grip on the north, which had previously been more resistant to his rule.
• After the rebellion, there were no major uprisings during Henry’s reign, and he remained in full control of both the monarchy and the Church.

Economic Impacts:

• The closure of the monasteries allowed Henry to seize their lands and wealth. Much of this was sold to wealthy landowners, which helped to enrich the crown.
• The treasures and valuables of the monasteries, including gold, silver, and lead from their roofs, were melted down or sold, contributing to Henry’s finances. However, many monasteries fell into disrepair, with some being left as ruins.
• The sale of monastery land also reshaped the landholding structure of England, concentrating wealth and land in the hands of the gentry and nobility.

The Pilgrimage of Grace was a significant, albeit unsuccessful, rebellion against Henry VIII’s religious and political changes. While it failed to halt the dissolution of the monasteries or the establishment of the Church of England, it highlighted the deep discontent among both the common people and the nobility with Henry’s policies. Despite the suppression of the rebellion, its legacy had a lasting impact on England’s social, political, and religious landscape, contributing to the growing tensions of the period and the reshaping of English society.