In the summer of 1450, a rebellion erupted in the southeastern county of Kent against King Henry VI’s government. The revolt was primarily driven by the local populace’s grievances regarding heavy taxation, incompetence in governance, and the impact of the ongoing Hundred Years' War. Economic burdens placed upon the common people had intensified their dissatisfaction. A key figure in this revolt was Jack Cade, who emerged as the leader and spokesperson for the discontented Kentishmen. Their protests and actions were fueled by a desire for reform and accountability from the Lancastrian crown.

The revolt reached its peak when thousands of Kentishmen gathered in a show of force. They marched towards London, capturing key areas and demanding reforms. Cade's forces managed to enter the capital, where they sought to present their demands to the king, who was perceived to be weak and ineffective. The uprising led to a series of confrontations with troops loyal to the king, marking a confrontation between established authority and emerging popular dissent.

However, the uprising was eventually quelled, often attributed to the lack of coalesced leadership among the rebel ranks and the military responses of the king’s forces. Cade was ultimately captured and killed, but the revolt reflected deep-seated issues within the realm, including the struggle for power and the representation of commoners in governance. This event further highlighted the cracks in Henry VI’s rule and foreshadowed more significant conflicts to come during the Wars of the Roses.