Welcome to The Peasants' Revolt (1381)
Imagine being told by the government that you must pay a heavy tax just for being alive, even if you have very little money. Now imagine you are not legally allowed to leave your village, change your job, or ask for higher pay. That was the reality for ordinary people in medieval England!
In this topic, we will explore The Peasants' Revolt of 1381. This was one of the most dramatic events in medieval British history, when thousands of ordinary people marched to London to challenge the king and demand their freedom. Don't worry if medieval history feels a bit tricky at first—we will break down the story step by step!
1. Key Words You Need to Know
Before we jump into the story, let's look at three essential terms. Getting confident with these will make the whole chapter much easier:
• Poll Tax: A "head tax" (from the old word "poll," meaning head). It was a flat tax charged to every single adult regardless of whether they were rich or poor. An ordinary farmer paid the exact same amount as a wealthy noble!
• Serf (also called a Villein): A peasant who was legally bound to their lord's land. Serfs were not free to move away, get married, or choose a new master without their lord's strict permission.
• Statute of Labourers (1351): A law passed by Parliament after the Black Death. It made it illegal for workers to ask for higher wages than they were paid in 1346, and made it a crime for employers to pay more.
Quick Memory Tip: Think of "Poll" as counting "heads" – every single head had to pay!
2. The Causes: Why Did the Peasants Rebel?
The revolt didn't happen overnight. It was caused by a mix of long-term anger and a sudden short-term spark. Historians divide these causes into three main areas:
A. Long-Term Economic Cause: The Black Death and Wages
In 1348, the deadly Black Death swept through England, killing between a third and a half of the population. Because there were far fewer workers left alive, their labour became much more valuable. Surviving peasants realized they could ask for higher wages and better treatment.
However, wealthy landowners did not want to pay higher wages. In response, Parliament passed the Statute of Labourers (1351) to freeze wages at pre-plague levels. This left peasants feeling furious and cheated for decades.
B. Social Cause: The Feudal System and Radical Ideas
Peasants were tired of the harsh feudal system and the strict rules of serfdom. A radical traveling priest named John Ball began preaching an inspiring message of equality across the countryside. He famously asked the crowd:
"When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?"
(In modern English: In the Garden of Eden, when Adam dug the soil and Eve spun wool, there were no rich lords or poor serfs—everyone was equal in the eyes of God!)
C. Short-Term Spark: The Poll Tax of 1381
The government had already collected poll taxes in 1377 and 1379. Then, in 1381, they introduced a third Poll Tax in just four years! This new tax was set at 1 shilling per person (a huge amount for a poor family at the time). Because everyone paid the same flat rate, it hit the poorest families the hardest. People refused to pay, hid in woods, and finally exploded in rebellion.
Key Takeaway: The revolt was triggered by the unfair Poll Tax of 1381, but fueled by years of anger over low wages (Statute of Labourers) and the lack of freedom under serfdom.
3. Key Figures in the Revolt
Here are the important historical figures you should remember:
• Wat Tyler: A former soldier or labourer from Kent who became the charismatic military leader of the rebel army.
• Richard II: The King of England in 1381. He was only 14 years old when the revolt broke out!
• John Ball: The radical priest who inspired the rebels with fiery sermons demanding social equality.
• Sir William Walworth: The wealthy Lord Mayor of London who defended the young king.
• Simon Sudbury: The Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor. The rebels blamed him for the unfair taxes.
• Robert Hales: The King's Treasurer, also held responsible for collecting the hated Poll Tax.
4. Step-by-Step Timeline of the Revolt (1381)
Let's follow the dramatic events of the summer of 1381 as they unfolded:
1. May 30 – The Spark in Essex
A royal tax commissioner named John Bampton arrived in the village of Fobbing, Essex, to collect unpaid poll taxes. The villagers angrily refused to pay and drove him out of town. The rebellion had begun!
2. June 7 – A Leader is Chosen
Rebels across the county of Kent joined the uprising. In Maidstone, they chose Wat Tyler to be their overall leader.
3. June 12 – Gathering at Blackheath
Thousands of armed rebels from Essex and Kent marched toward the capital and gathered at Blackheath, just outside London. John Ball preached to the massive crowd, encouraging them to demand their freedom.
4. June 14 – The Meeting at Mile End & The Tower of London
The 14-year-old King Richard II bravely rode out to meet the rebels at Mile End. Wat Tyler demanded an end to serfdom and full pardons for the rebels. Richard II agreed to all their demands on the spot!
Meanwhile, another group of angry rebels entered the Tower of London. They captured and executed Simon Sudbury (Archbishop of Canterbury) and Robert Hales (the Treasurer), whom they blamed for their misery.
5. June 15 – The Showdown at Smithfield
Richard II met the rebel leaders again at Smithfield. During the tense discussions, an argument broke out. Sir William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London, drew his sword and fatally stabbed Wat Tyler.
With their leader dead, the rebel crowd drew their bows and prepared to attack. In a moment of incredible courage, the young king rode directly toward the armed rebels and shouted:
"I am your captain, follow me!"
Richard II led the crowd away peacefully, promising that their demands would be honoured. Trusting the young king, the peasants dispersed and headed home.
6. November – The Rebellion is Crushed
By November 1381, royal armies had moved across the country, ruthlessly suppressing the remaining uprisings in East Anglia and other regions.
5. What Were the Outcomes? (Success or Failure?)
Did the peasants get what they wanted? The answer depends on whether we look at the short term or the long term.
Short-Term Result: A Failure for the Rebels
• Broken Promises: As soon as he was safe, Richard II revoked (cancelled) every promise he had made at Mile End. He told the peasants that they were serfs and would remain serfs.
• Executions: Royal courts punished the rebels severely. Approximately 1,500 rebels were executed across England, including John Ball.
Long-Term Result: Significant Change
• No More Poll Tax: The government learned a dangerous lesson. The Poll Tax was never collected in that flat-rate form again during the medieval period.
• The End of Serfdom: Even though the law did not change immediately, the ongoing shortage of labour meant lords were forced to treat workers better. Over the next 50 years, lords gradually freed their serfs and paid them proper wages to stop them from leaving.
Key Takeaway: In the short term, the revolt was brutally crushed and Richard II broke his word. In the long term, it marked the beginning of the end for serfdom in England.
6. Common Historical Pitfalls to Avoid
When answering exam questions, avoid these three common mistakes:
1. Don't assume the rebels were an "unorganized mob":
Many people think the rebels simply rioted randomly. In fact, records show they were organized and disciplined. They specifically targeted and burned legal records, manor court rolls, and tax documents to wipe out evidence of their serfdom.
2. Don't assume all "peasants" were desperately poor farmers:
The word "peasant" can be misleading. Many participants were skilled craftsmen, village officials, and free tenants who had some wealth and status, but hated the unfair tax system.
3. Don't view Richard II as a simple hero:
While Richard II showed great bravery facing the crowd at Smithfield, remember that he broke every single promise he made to end serfdom as soon as his army was in control.
7. Quick Review Quiz Check
Test your knowledge with these quick summary questions:
1. What law passed in 1351 tried to stop wages from rising after the Black Death?
Answer: The Statute of Labourers.
2. Why was the 1381 Poll Tax so hated by ordinary people?
Answer: It was a flat rate of 1 shilling charged to everyone, making the poor pay the exact same amount as the rich.
3. Who killed Wat Tyler at Smithfield?
Answer: Sir William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London.
4. How many rebels were executed after the revolt was crushed?
Answer: Approximately 1,500 rebels.