Peasants Revolt

• 1. In the early C14th there were floods, drought and famine and the gap between rich and poor increased.
• The Black Death killed up to 50% of the population, 1348-1349
• The 1351 Statue of Labourers, Sumptuary Laws and Game Laws all made life harder for ordinary people.
• To fund wars against France, Richard ll charged a Poll Tax in 1377,1379 and 1381.
• In May 1381 tax collectors were forced to flee when villagers in Brentwood, Essex refused to pay.
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  Wat Tyler led rebels from Kent who freed John Ball from prison in June 1381
• Thousands marched on London, beheading the Treasurer, Robert Hales and Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury
• The peasants' revolt was an attempt by poorer sections of society to challenge their position within English society
• Richard ll met the rebels at Mile End on 14 June and Smithfield on 15 June.
• After Wat Tyler was killed Richard said he would meet their demands, including ending serfdom.
• After the rebels dispersed, the King changed his mind and thousands were killed.
• Though the revolt failed in short term, it frightened the authorities and inspired future protests.