In May 1450, Jack Cade started a rebellion whose participants came from all ranks of society: gentlemen, craftsmen, labourers, soldiers and peasants. They were dissatisfied with the Lancastrian government especially with high taxes, the incompetence of Henry VI's advisers and especially the war with France that had lately seen the loss of Normandy at the end of 1449.

A confrontation of Henry with the rebels at Blackheath in June failed to restore peace. In July, Cade and his followers forced an entry into the City of London, where most people were sympathetic, but he could not control his men. The sheriff of Kent and other nobles were murdered, loots were taken and houses burnt. The Londoners turned against Cade and faught off more rebels coming into the City on London Bridge. Hundreds died, London Bridge was partly burnt, Cade was caught and mortally wounded. The general pardon of the king was gladly accepted by most of the rebels and citizens, but many were hanged as traitors and to frighten off others.