The Peasants Revolt of 1381
History: KS3, topic 1.10.2
The Peasants Revolt of 1381
The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 highlighted deep societal tensions as commoners demanded justice and reform.
Peasants anger
- The Peasants' Revolt was one of the most significant uprisings in medieval England.
- The peasants were miserable because of:
- High taxes, especially the poll tax introduced in 1380
- Economic hardship
- Anger towards feudal lords
- The revolt was led by Wat Tyler and the preacher John Ball.
Peasants' demands
- The rebels wanted an end to serfdom.
- Serfdom meant that peasants were tied to the land and their lord.
- The peasants also demanded:
- Fairer wages
- Lower taxes
- Removing corrupt officials
March to London
- In June 1381, thousands of rebels marched to London.
- The rebels attacked buildings, destroyed property, and killed unpopular officials.
End of the revolt
- The young King Richard II met with rebels and promised to address their concerns.
- King Richard II did not keep his promises.
- The revolt was eventually crushed and Wat Tyler was killed.
- Many leaders were executed, and harsh punishments were given to the participants.
Outcomes of the revolt
- The revolt did not succeed.
- But the revolt showed the deep problems in society.
- The revolt also proved the potential for ordinary people to fight back.
Test yourself on The Peasants Revolt of 1381
What were the reasons peasants were revolting ?
What was the name of the king who met with rebels but didn't keep his promises?