Robert Kett and the Norfolk Rebellion

Robert Kett was a middle aged yeoman farmer from Wymondham, Norfolk. In 1549 he led a rebellion supporting the common man in tearing down enclosed fences that the rich had put up. Kett and his men met up at an old oak tree in Hethersett which is now known as Kett’s Oak and they marched onto Norwich and camped at Mousehold heath. In a short time Kett had over 16,000 men on his side. A Royal army of 1,500 soldiers was sent to quail the situation, but it was no match for Kett’s men and the city was soon in his hands. Another Royal army of 14,000 was sent led by the Earl of Warwick and the rebellion was quashed. Robert and his brother William was arrested and charged with treason. On 7 December Robert was executed at Norwich Castle and William at Wymondham Abbey. Today Robert is a hero in Norwich for supporting a common cause.



This e-book is a more detailed look at the rebellion and why Kett is one of Norfolk's heroes. 

Michael Chandler



Michael Chandler was born in East London in 1962 and moved to Norwich, Norfolk in 2006. He soon became fascinated with this historical city and began researching and writing to quench his knowledge of Norwich and Norfolk.


His first book, Murder & Crime Norwich was published in 2010 and he is using some of the stories to develop into television scripts. His second book, The Jews of Norfolk was published in 2012.


He has been featured on BBC Look East, BBC Radio Norfolk, Radio Norwich, and in local newspapers and magazines.