Who is Jack Cade?

In truth, nobody knows! There is little documented evidence of who he was but the two names he was known to be called was Jack Cade and John Mortimer. As Jack and John are synonymous with each other, could it be too much of a stretch of the imagination, that Mortimer was also a family name, either distant or through illegitimacy? The consensus of historians, without evidence will never be obtained, even with evidence there would be counter arguments – that’s the nature of historians! But on Jacks official pardon his name was recorded as, John Mortimer.

Birth

Some sources quote he was an Irishman, perhaps eluding to some of the ancestral lands of Richard of York, whose mother was a Mortimer. Richard, who arguably had the stronger claim to the throne through Edward III, which would lead to the War of the Roses, is remarkably quiet about Jack Cade and the rebellion. However, I am uncertain as to him being an Irishman, as I believe that this was probably a bit of Lancastrian propaganda to undermine his standing, and have a poke at Richard too. Remember Historians of the time were recording history to reflect well on Henry VI.

Military Man

From the sources we can assume that Jack was a leader of men as his authority seems to be unquestioned (at least at the beginning). I should imagine he was around the ages, of 25-40, as his age was never commented on by contemporaries, either as young or old. He seemed to be educated, well versed in social expectations and witty. I expect that he had visited France as part of a military force, in what was a deteriorating situation, due to his familiarity in military mustering of men and his skirmish against a small royal force at Sevenoaks.

Where he Lived

I would say, he knew the area of Sussex well and may have originated from there. Some sources claim he was a member of the household of the Dacre family, in particular Thomas Dacre of Hurstpierpoint. The Dacre Family would have known the Fiennes Family, of Herstmonceux, as Thomas Dacre’s Granddaughter married Richard Fiennes. Richard Fiennes uncle was James Fiennes, Lord Saye and Sele – A character who is pivotal to the storyline of the rebellion.

Could the reason why James Fiennes and William Crowmer were quickly dispatched be something more than the protestors demands? Was there some hidden story that has been lost through the passing of time? Why was Cade caught at Heathfield, which is very close to the Herstmonceux estates of the Fiennes Family? How did Alexander Iden find him so quickly, was he expecting him to head that way?

Something extra for me to explore.