Events of the Peasants' Revolt
The Peasants' Revolt unfolded rapidly over a period of two weeks in June 1381. What happened in the Peasants' Revolt was a series of escalating confrontations between the peasants and the authorities, culminating in a dramatic showdown in London.
The revolt began on May 30th when peasants in Brentwood refused to pay the poll tax and threatened to kill the local tax collector. This act of defiance quickly spread throughout Essex, with more villages joining the protest.
Highlight: The refusal to pay the poll tax in Brentwood marked the beginning of the Peasants' Revolt, setting off a chain reaction of resistance across the region.
On June 2nd, the Chief Justice arrived to collect the poll tax but was also met with threats. In response, the peasants found and beheaded the tax collector's clerks, signaling a violent turn in the uprising.
The revolt gained momentum on June 7th as the peasants marched to Maidstone, freeing prisoners including John Ball, and stormed Rochester Castle, burning tax records. At this point, Wat Tyler emerged as the leader of the rebellion.
Vocabulary: Wat Tyler was a prominent leader of the Peasants' Revolt, known for his charismatic leadership and bold demands.
By June 12th, the peasants had reached London's city walls, and on June 13th, they breached the defenses. The rebels burned palaces and killed supporters of the king, including destroying the home of John of Gaunt, a powerful noble.
The violence escalated on June 14th when a group of peasants beheaded the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Treasurer, demonstrating the intensity of their grievances against the ruling class.
Quote: "14th June → group of peasants beheads Archbishop of Canterbury + Treasurer"
On June 15th, King Richard II, who was only 14 years old at the time, met with the rebels at Mile End and Smithfield. He initially agreed to their demands, but the situation took a dramatic turn when Wat Tyler was killed by one of the king's men during the meeting.
Example: The king's agreement to the peasants' demands included promises to abolish serfdom and reduce land rents, which were revolutionary concessions at the time.
How did the Peasants' Revolt End? Following Tyler's death, the peasants dispersed and returned home, believing their demands had been met. However, Richard II soon went back on his word, claiming that he had been forced to agree under duress. The rebel leaders were subsequently rounded up and executed, marking the end of the revolt.
Highlight: The king's reversal of his promises and the execution of rebel leaders demonstrated the limits of the peasants' power and the resilience of the feudal system.
