Kett’s Rebellion

Kett’s Rebellion began in Norfolk in July 1549 when crowds protesting against enclosure destroyed fences around common land. Robert Kett, a prosperous landholder whose own enclosures were attacked, accepted the rebels’ grievances and became their leader. Thousands gathered at Mousehold Heath outside Norwich and organised a camp, council and list of demands.

The rebels occupied Norwich and defeated an initial royal force sent against them. The government then dispatched a larger army under John Dudley, Earl of Warwick. After further fighting in and around the city, the rebellion was defeated at Dussindale on 27 August. Robert Kett and his brother William were later convicted of treason and executed.

The uprising is the principal historical setting of Tombland. It supports fiction about enclosure, rural poverty, political reform, rebel government, urban warfare and the uncertain authority of Edward VI’s minority regime.