Brief overview:
The Peasants' Revolt was a popular uprising, with the intention of demanding fairer rights and equality. It took place during the turbulent years of the 14th century where economic and social upheaval made conditions ripe for revolt. In 1381, both Essex and Kent were in open revolt against the then king, Richard ll. The rebels coordinated their tactics by letter and eventually marched on London, where they destroyed the houses of government ministers. They also had a clear set of political demands.
On 15 June, the 14-year-old king, Richard II, met the rebels' leader Wat Tyler. William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London, attacked and killed Tyler. Before the rebel army could retaliate, Richard stepped forward and promised to abolish serfdom. The peasants went home, but later government troops toured the villages hanging men who had taken part in the Revolt.
Although the Revolt was defeated, its demands – less harsh laws, money for the poor, freedom and equality – all became part of our democracy in the long term.
The Peasants' Revolt was a popular uprising, with the intention of demanding fairer rights and equality. It took place during the turbulent years of the 14th century where economic and social upheaval made conditions ripe for revolt. In 1381, both Essex and Kent were in open revolt against the then king, Richard ll. The rebels coordinated their tactics by letter and eventually marched on London, where they destroyed the houses of government ministers. They also had a clear set of political demands.
On 15 June, the 14-year-old king, Richard II, met the rebels' leader Wat Tyler. William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London, attacked and killed Tyler. Before the rebel army could retaliate, Richard stepped forward and promised to abolish serfdom. The peasants went home, but later government troops toured the villages hanging men who had taken part in the Revolt.
Although the Revolt was defeated, its demands – less harsh laws, money for the poor, freedom and equality – all became part of our democracy in the long term.
Key words to remember:
- serfdom:
- rebels
- Poll Tax- a tax paid by all adults (men) the amount was the same for everyone, regardless of their income or occupation
- levy: - to calculate and collect tax
- democracy -a type of government where people govern themselves or choose representatives to govern them
- protest
- abolish- formally end or stop
- feudal system
- .