BattlefieldsKett's Rebellion — fall of Norwich to rebels 1549
Tudor

Kett's Rebellion — fall of Norwich to rebels 1549

1549
Norfolk, England
Also known as: Norwich falls to Kett 1549
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Norfolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Crown (Norwich garrison)
Forces
Norwich garrison c.300–600.
VS
Victor
Kett's rebels
Forces
Kett's rebels c.10,000–15,000
Outcome
Norwich opened to Kett's rebels; city occupied; rebel government administered justice from Mousehold Heath; royal officials fled
The Battle

History & Significance

The occupation of Norwich — England's second largest city — by Kett's rebels was an extraordinary achievement and a massive embarrassment for Protector Somerset's government. Kett established a remarkable rebel administration on Mousehold Heath, hearing legal cases under the 'Oak of Reformation' and maintaining discipline that impressed even hostile observers. The occupation lasted several weeks and demonstrated the genuine popular anger that underlay the rebellion.

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