Tombland

The vast concourse at the Oak was ordered to disperse and return two hours later, when full plans to take Norwich on the morrow would be discussed. The mood after the Herald’s proclamation was shocked, angry, simmering with violence and, at the call to action, there were loud cries of approval. ‘Go back to your huts,’ Kett concluded, ‘and make your weapons ready.’

Barak and I walked slowly back to the Swardeston huts. Barak said, ‘How could Protector Somerset be so stupid? If he had set out on purpose to enrage the camp, the arsehole couldn’t have done better.’

‘I know. I don’t think he realized the strength of feeling in the camp, or the confidence our numbers gives.’

‘If we occupy Norwich tomorrow, he may think again, and come to terms. All his forces are dispersed in putting down the western rebellion, and in Scotland.’

‘By Jesu, Jack, I hope you’re right.’

* * *

WHEN THE CAMP MET again at the Oak, thousands were present, many now bearing bows and other weapons. The Kett brothers and Captain Miles stood on the stage, Miles in half-armour, sword at his waist. Next to him stood a serious-looking older man in a cheap doublet. Kett began to address the crowd, pausing as usual for his words to be passed back.

‘This man is Master Colson, tailor of Norwich, who has been coordinating our supporters there. The poor sections of the population – perhaps a quarter, especially in the north – are with us, and will help us. The city authorities – Codd, Aldrich and the rest – are obeying the Herald’s orders; they have come out in their true colours!’ There was a chorus of boos and calls for their execution, which Kett allowed to proceed for a minute before raising his hands for silence and waving Colson forward. The tailor looked nervous facing the huge crowd, but Kett nodded encouragingly, and he found his voice.

‘The city authorities have closed the gates, and are ramparting Bishopsgate Bridge with earth to reinforce it. They have perhaps a couple of hundred men under their orders – city constables, soldiers from the castle, servants of the great men – and are placing them to defend the walls, mainly with longbows. They have released the gentlemen prisoners from Norwich Castle, and some of their number are helping them, though many have chosen to stay where they are for fear of the common people.’ This brought a chorus of boos and jeers, and I wondered what had happened to Nicholas. Colson continued, ‘If you make a determined charge downhill to Bishopsgate Bridge tomorrow, we can call out that you have entered another part of the city to create a diversion. Help us end our poverty and subjection as well as your own!’

There were cheers, then Captain Miles stepped forward, looking more serious than I had ever seen him. ‘Men of Mousehold!’ he called. ‘I wish we had had more time for training, especially with the cannon, but events have fallen out as they have, and we must act now like men and take the city lest the government send forces against us! Many of you have training in the longbow, we have spears and halberds and a few cannon, and outnumber the city forces by thousands.’ He paused and looked over the crowd. ‘But there will be casualties, I cannot hide that. We shall now move all the cannon to the edge of the escarpment. Tomorrow at dawn we meet there, under my command, and that of the officers appointed by the Hundreds, and’ – his voice rose – ‘we – take – Norwich!’

There was more cheering, louder than ever – the prospect that some would die seemed to have discouraged very few. The assembly dispersed quickly, those whom Captain Miles had been training in the use of cannon following him.

Natty and Simon approached us. Natty, his face serious, said, ‘I shall fight tomorrow, I am good with the longbow. Now is the time to bring the rule of the gentlemen to an end.’

‘Remember what Captain Miles told you,’ I said. ‘Lives will be lost.’

The boy looked at me, frowning. ‘Are you saying I should not fight when I can?’

‘No. Only that – a good soldier must be aware of what he might face.’

‘I am. And if we lose – what have I left anyway?’ He turned away.

Simon looked downcast. ‘I am not to fight. I have been ordered to help bring the draught horses forward.’

‘Just as well,’ Natty said with amiable roughness. ‘You’d only trip over your own feet.’

‘That I would,’ Simon agreed sadly.

I looked at Barak. He had removed the leather cover from the knife on his artificial hand and was testing its sharpness. I said, ‘You’re not thinking of fighting, are you?’

‘No, I don’t think I’d be of much use.’

I sighed. ‘Did you see the sadness in Captain Kett’s face earlier? He hoped this could be resolved peacefully.’

‘He offered to serve as the camp’s leader at Wymondham, and stay with them to the end. I think he knew it might come to this.’

‘Well,’ I said. ‘An old hunchback like me would be of no use.’ Feeling sad and ashamed, I walked away.

* * *