Other Reasons for the Peasants' Revolt
History: KS3, topic 7.1.5
Other Reasons for the Peasants' Revolt
Other causes of the Peasants' Revolt included the fact that peasants had to work for the church for free. Peasants were villeins and so under their local lord's total control. This meant they were not represented in Parliament.
Work for the church
- Peasants had to work for up to two days a week for free for the Church.
- As well as receiving no money for this work, it meant they couldn't work elsewhere or have time to grow much of their own food.
Villeins
- Many peasants were villeins.
- This meant that their lives were totally controlled by the Lords.
- For example, they couldn't even leave the village without their permission.
- They felt that this was unfair and that they deserved more freedom.
Lack of representation
- The peasants were tired of nobody listening to their problems.
- Although the 1265 parliament had increased representation for rich merchants in towns, it still didn't represent the views of peasants in the countryside.
Test yourself on Other Reasons for the Peasants' Revolt
How many days a week did peasants have to work free for the Church?