CADE, JACK

born , Ireland died July 12, 1450, Heathfield, Sussex, Eng. byname of John Cade leader of a major rebellion (1450) against the government of King Henry VI of England; although the uprising was suppressed, it contributed to the breakdown of royal authority that led to the Wars of the Roses (145585) between the houses of York and Lancaster. Cade was living in Sussex when, in 1449, he was accused of murdering a woman. He fled to France but returned in 1450 and settled in Kent, posing as a physician named John Aylmer. In June 1450 Jack Cade emerged as leader of a Kentish rebellion of small property holders victimized by high taxes and prices. By assuming the name John Mortimer, he identified himself with the family of Henry VI's rival, Richard, duke of York, who was living in virtual exile in Ireland. Cade issued a manifesto demanding the removal of several of the King's chief ministers and the recall of Richard. His forces defeated a royal army at Sevenoaks, Kent, on June 18, and on July 3 he entered London, where he executed the hated lord treasurer, James Fiennes, Lord Saye and Sele. Nevertheless, Cade's lawlessness quickly alienated the Londoners, who drove the insurgents from the city on July 56. The government persuaded most of the rebels to disperse by offering them a pardon, but Cade continued his resistance. Wounded and captured near Lewes, Sussex, on July 12, he died while being transported to London. arrogant leader of the rebellious peasants in Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 2. Although Cade's rebellion introduces some amusing characters to the plot, the squabbling insurgents represent a serious parody of their social betters. Cade, seduced by the Duke of York to make commotion, as full well he can, clearly demonstrates that discord and greed for power have permeated all levels of society until no one is left untouched. Henry VI, Part 2 is also the source of a much-quoted statement often wrongly attributed to Cade: The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers. (It is actually said to Cade by Dick the butcher.)