Was the Revolt a Threat to the Lords?
History: KS3, topic 7.4.3
Was the Revolt a Threat to the Lords' Power?
The Lords' power was threatened in a variety of ways but their power over peasants and villeins remained intact.
Yes, the Lords' power was threatened
- Several leading noblemen were executed by the rebels, for example the Archbishop of Canterbury Simon Sudbury and the Lord Treasurer Robert de Hales.
- The palace of the King's uncle, John of Gaunt, was also attacked and burnt down.
The Lords' power was partially threatened
- The rebels' anger was directed at the Kings' advisors, and several of them lost their roles as a result of the Revolt.
- This affected individual Lords' powers, but not the power of this class in society as a whole.
The Lords' power was partially threatened
- The Revolt made the Lords more cautious when dealing with the peasants in future.
- The Lords knew that they couldn't do whatever they wanted as it may cause another rebellion.
- This showed how their power was shaken and their position in the feudal system weakened.
- The Lords now relied on the cooperation of peasants to remain loyal and work the land.
Power of the peasants remained intact
- However, the power of the peasants didn't change the status of villeins or their relationship with the Lords.
- Serfdom was not formally abolished until 1574.
- The power of the Lords over peasants and villeins remained intact.
Test yourself on Was the Revolt a Threat to the Lords?
When was serfdom formally abolished?
Why did the power of the Lords remain intact?