As a result of the Dissolution of the Monasteries land ownership changed and where previously villagers had access to the land it was now fenced off just to allow sheep to graze. This made village life difficult and in East Anglia resulted in a rebellion. Lead by Robert Kett, a landowner himself who had sympathy for the rights of the poor, the rebels set-up camp at Mousehold Heath near Norwich and then took possession of the city itself. An army was sent by the government to put down the rebelion. The rebels were no match for the trained army led by John Dudley, the duke of Northumberland and the leaders were captured. Robert Kett was hanged as a traitor.

Edward VI signed a change to his earlier will or 'devise' and nominated Lady Jane Grey as heir to the English throne. The change was orchestrated by the John Dudley, duke of Northumberland and Sir John Gates. Lady Jane Grey had married the Duke's son Guilford Dudley a few months earlier and the will initially stated that Jane's male heirs would be next in line in inherit the Crown of England. This was altered when it was seen that Edward would die before Jane had any children so that Jane herself would become Queen.

Mary Tudor called for support against the Duke of Northumberland and Lady Jane Grey. Large numbers of supporters gathered around her at Kenninghall Manor in Norfolk with supplies and weapons.

The Duke of Northumberland proclaimed that his daughter-in-law Lady Jane Grey was the next monarch of England. Jane was moved to the Tower of London. Although Northumberland controlled London many of the town's people supported Mary Tudor's claim to the throne.

The Duke of Northumberland and an army of some 3,000 men travelled to Cambridge in an attempt to stop Mary Tudor. Moving on to Bury St. Edmunds the Duke came up against a much larger army supporting Mary. Accepting defeat, Northumberland was arrested and taken back to London to be held in the Tower of London. ¹

Mary Tudor arrived at London to a huge welcome. Entering through Aldgate she was met by Elizabeth, Anne of Cleves and many others. Mary quickly ordered the release of her supporters that had been locked up at the Tower of London. The Duke of Northumberland and his supporters were placed in the Tower of London to await trial and execution.

John Dudley was executed along with others accused of treason.