ABSTRACT
The King’s soldiers were entirely loyal. The King had consented to treat with the rebels only because of his merciful disposition and kindly wish to avoid bloodshed. At Christmas, the King’s policy was to make a lavish display of splendour and security, and he allowed it to be known that not only would he himself travel to York to hold his parliament, but the Queen would accompany him to be crowned in York minster. The King’s defence of his Council was mere quibbling. Norfolk, Exeter and Sandys might be nominal members of the Privy Council, but their advice was never followed, and the King’s policy was determined by their chief enemy, Thomas Cromwell. While the King was goading the commons to further rebellion, he was drugging the gentlemen with gracious promises. A competent number of victims could be sacrificed to the cleansing of the King’s honour.
