Increasing Pressure Later in the Century

Increasing Pressure Later in the Century

Economic Strains

  • Inflation: The late 16th century experienced severe inflation which increased the living costs for everyone and made conditions harsh for the poor.
  • Bad Harvests: In 1594, 1596 and 1597, bad harvests led to higher food prices, exacerbating levels of poverty and leading to discontent.

Social Discontent

  • Anti-Enclosure Protests: There was a significant increase in anti-enclosure protests. Enclosure of common lands by wealthy landowners directly affected the economic viability of farming for many poor households.
  • Impact of Rising Population: The increase in population led to increased pressure on land and resources. It also altered the balance of land ownership and those who worked on the land.

Religious Factors

  • Bible Translations: Access to vernacular Bible translations increased religious consciousness and ferment amongst the population.
  • Perceived Discrepancies: Increasingly, people began to perceive discrepancies between the teachings of the Church and the behaviour of the religious and secular elites which bred distrust and resentment.

Government Response

  • Legislation: The government tightened laws regarding travellers, vagabonds and rogues, often resorting to brutal punishments such as branding and whipping.
  • Poor Laws: The late 16th century also saw introduction of the Poor Laws which aimed to alleviate poverty through local funds. These steps, however, were considered insufficient.

Rebellion and Uprisings

  • Cornish Rebellion (1497): High taxes to fund a war against Scotland caused economic hardship and culminated in an uprising.
  • Kett’s Rebellion (1549): Enclosure policy and associated economic hardship sparked this revolt.
  • Northern Rebellion (1569): High taxes and religious discontent under Elizabeth I led to the Northern Uprising.

In interpreting these events, it is important to note the combination of socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and government responses that cumulatively increased pressures on the populace throughout the later part of the 16th century.