A well-organized uprising of small property owners in 1450 led by John, or Jack, Cade, who assumes the name John Mortimer and declares himself a cousin of Richard, Duke of York, reveals the widespread social discontent that obtains in England.

Cade’s rebellion demands lower taxes and prices, the dismissal of some of Henry VI’s ministers, an end to royal corruption, and the recall from Ireland of the exiled Richard, Henry’s arch-rival.

Cade’s forces, drawn largely from Sussex and Kent, defeat a royalist army at Sevenoaks on June 18, then occupy London, where they execute the much-despised lord treasurer, who the rebels hold responsible for all war losses in France.

After a few weeks of arson and pillage by the rebels, Londoners on July 6 drive them from the city.

Most of the rebels disperse upon receiving a governmental pardon, but Cade continues his rebellion until a mortal wound results in his capture.

Several rebel, including Cade, are later executed.