The north, as the stronghold of both feudalism and Catholicism, led the reaction.

The Duke of Norfolk, England's premier peer, plotted with the northern earls to advance Mary's cause, and thought of marrying her himself.

Pope Pius V warmly praised their scheme which culminated in a rebellion.

[Sidenote: Rebellion, 1561] The nobles and commons alike were filled with the spirit of crusaders, bearing banners with the cross and the five wounds of Christ.

At the same time they voiced the grievance of the old-fashioned farmer against the new-fangled merchant.
Their banners inscribed "God speed the plough" bear witness to the agrarian element common to so many revolts.