The Essex Rebellion

What was the Essex Rebellion?
The Essex Rebellion happened in 1601 during Elizabeth's years of decline. The Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux, wanted to overthrow the government.
What were the causes of the Essex Rebellion?
There were 6 causes of the Essex Rebellion:
  • Elizabeth's government was in danger from the 1590s. Robert Dudley died in 1588, followed by Walsingham in 1590 and Cecil in 1598.This meant the patronage system began to fall apart as her trusted advisers disappeared.
  • A new generation of ambitious politicians emerged following the deaths of the old ones. This caused unrest in the council, led by William Cecil's son, Robert Cecil, and Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex.
  • Robert Cecil took on an increasing workload as his father aged, and this made Essex jealous.
  • Essex and the queen argued after she became increasingly annoyed by his actions and his secret marriage. It resulted in the queen punching him and banishing him from court.
  • Essex was told to defeat a rebellion in Ireland, but instead went against the queen's orders and made peace.
  • When Essex returned from Ireland, he learned Cecil had been promoted. He burst into Elizabeth's chambers before she was wigged or gowned, for which he was put on house arrest and lost all jobs and monopolies.
What happened during the Essex rebellion?
Under arrest, Essex gathered 300 supporters and rumours of treason began to spread. Four Privy Council members went to question him and he held them hostage. He then proceeded to march on London to capture the queen.
Why did people desert the Essex rebellion?
Londoners were unimpressed and most of his supporters eventually deserted him. Essex found his route blocked, returned home and surrendered.
What was the result of the Essex rebellion?
Essex was accused of being a traitor and was executed in the Tower of London in 1601.
What was the importance of the Essex rebellion?
The rebellion was important for many reasons:
  • It showed Elizabeth's control over her kingdom was fading as she couldn't always rely on the loyalty of those close to her.
  • It showed some of the most powerful people in the kingdom were willing to disrespect her.
  • It demonstrated how the system of patronage was breaking down as the rebellion would not have happened at the beginning of Elizabeth's reign.
  • Despite the negatives, it also showed Elizabeth was still relatively strong as Essex was only able to muster 300 supporters.
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