The 1381 Peasants' Revolt: England's First Popular Uprising
In 1381, England resembled a powder keg ready to explode. New ideas, sparked by a series of disasters—including plagues, wage suppression, wars in Europe, and government instability—fueled discontent. This dissatisfaction led thousands of ordinary people to join the first popular rebellion in English history. This article delves into the factors that drove the 14th-century peasants of England to the brink of collapse, as explored in the documentary "The Peasants' Revolt: The Rise of the Rebels."
Medieval expert Matt Lewis uncovers untold stories of ordinary people who participated in the Peasants' Revolt, in collaboration with historians from the "People of 1381" project, and featuring prominent medieval scholars, including his co-presenter on the "Gone Medieval" program, Eleanor Yaniga, and Helen Castor, biographer of King Richard II.
Life in 14th Century England
By the late 14th century, despite the growth of towns and cities, England remained largely rural. Around 80-85% of the population in medieval Europe was classified as "peasants." This term meant they were primarily farmers, but their economic status varied widely. Some were prosperous landowners who employed laborers and servants, and even middle-class peasants enjoyed relatively comfortable lives. However, approximately 50% of England's peasants were poor, struggling with subsistence farming and often barely surviving.
The wealthier peasants—sometimes wealthier than some of the nobility due to owning land—were free men who could own land and sell their produce in the market. On the other hand, "serfs," the lowest class of peasants, were bound to the land of their lords and faced many restrictions.
In this feudal world, the lower classes rarely challenged the authorities, but rising taxes by 1381 made life increasingly difficult for most peasants. The 14th century is generally regarded as one of the worst times to live, due to a combination of bad weather (which affected crops and livestock and led to the Great Famine), the Black Death, and the ongoing Hundred Years' War, during which many were forced to fight in France for the king. Taxes, deemed necessary to finance the war, became a major source of grievance, ultimately sparking the Peasants' Revolt.
Church Taxes and Poll Taxes
"Tithes," a church tax, required individuals to pay 10% of their income annually. These were often collected at harvest time and could be paid in kind (crops) rather than in money if necessary.
Government taxes were collected to fund matters like foreign wars, through a tax system based on a percentage of property value. Tax collectors would visit peasants every few years, assess their movable possessions (such as money and other property), determine their value, and then impose a percentage, typically 10%.
Rising Tensions
On June 2, 1381, rebels gathered in the village of Fobbing, the birthplace of Thomas Baker, with widespread support from those ready to stand against the authorities. On June 4, rebels from Essex launched an attack on the "Leeds" monastery in Kent, targeting the tax records essential to the rule of both the church and the crown. This attack ignited a coordinated rebellion that required military expertise.
Military Expertise and Weaponry
Between 1370 and 1400, about 100,000 soldiers were sent to France, reducing the number of able-bodied men available for work in England. However, the country was filled with individuals with military experience, and these individuals played a crucial role in leading the revolt. Society was heavily armed at the time; archery training was common, and many peasants owned weapons such as shields, swords, daggers, bows, and arrows.
In addition to traditional weapons, peasants used everyday tools as improvised weapons. They had hand axes, tools like sickles with added blades, and hammers used for harvesting grain. These diverse resources helped spread the rebellion quickly.
Escalating Violence
The rebels were highly organized, distributing messages among peasants urging them to join the uprising, setting fire to towns and cities, and burning documents that supported the feudal system. The "Rochester Castle," a strategically important stronghold, fell into rebel hands after its commander, Sir John Newington, was captured.
On June 10, one day after the attack on Rochester Castle, the rebels reached Canterbury, the capital of Kent and the seat of the English Church, Archbishop Simon Sudbury. Despite his absence, the rebels seized the gold and treasures he had accumulated, further fueling their anger.
Leaders such as Wat Tyler, Jack Straw (who led the Essex rebels), and the radical preacher John Ball, who called for equality and had been excommunicated for his sermons against the wealth of the church, emerged as key figures in the revolution.
King Richard II and the Struggles of Governance
At this time, King Richard II was only 14 years old, having ascended to the throne at the age of 10. In medieval England, royal authority had a significant impact on governance. Due to his youth, England faced a prolonged period of instability, with his uncles, especially John of Gaunt, having to manage the kingdom.
John of Gaunt was seen as ambitious and greedy, making him a target for the rebels, who viewed him as a symbol of the country's problems.
March Towards London
On June 12, thousands of rebels gathered in Blackheath, demanding justice, and sent their prisoner, Sir John Newington, to negotiate with King Richard II at the Tower of London. The rebels affirmed their loyalty to the king but expressed anger at his government, particularly at his uncles and the clergy.
Meanwhile, John of Gaunt was far from London, stationed on the northern borders to defend against the Scots, preventing him from taking swift action. Archbishop Simon Sudbury, also the kingdom’s Chancellor, was present in London and became one of the main targets of the rebels, especially since he played a role in enforcing the third poll tax that ignited the revolt.
Agreement to Meet the Rebels
On June 13, amid the growing chaos, King Richard II agreed to meet the rebels at "Rotherhithe." As the royal boat approached the location, it faced 10,000 angry rebels, raising concerns about the safety of the king. Earl of Salisbury ordered the boat to turn back, further enraging the crowds and pushing them to escalate their revolutionary actions.
Attack on London
On the same day, June 13, 1381, the rebels marched on the capital, London, where the city descended into chaos. The rebels were able to breach the city gates with the help of sympathetic residents. Once inside, they attacked several key locations, burning homes, particularly those belonging to the wealthy, government officials, and clergy.
One of the primary targets was the "Savoy Palace," the residence of John of Gaunt, who was absent at the time of the attack. The rebels looted and completely burned down the palace, symbolizing their rejection of the existing order.
Escalating Confrontation
As unrest grew, the rebels once again met King Richard II at Mile End on June 14. During the meeting, rebel leaders presented their demands, including the abolition of serfdom, lower taxes, and the capture of corrupt officials.
The king agreed to some of their demands as a step to calm the situation, but tensions remained high. The following day, June 15, the king invited the rebels to another meeting at Smithfield, hoping to resolve the revolt peacefully.
Death of Wat Tyler
During the Smithfield meeting, tensions escalated when rebel leader Wat Tyler confronted the king and his men. Tyler was fatally wounded by the Mayor of London, William Walworth, which led to the dispersal of the rebellious crowds and weakened the revolutionary movement.
Suppression of the Revolt
After Wat Tyler's death, King Richard II seized the opportunity to regain control. He addressed the rebel crowds directly, assuring them that he would personally investigate their demands. However, after the rebels returned to their regions, the king backtracked on his promises, and the authorities began tracking down rebel leaders and imposing harsh penalties on participants.
End of the Revolt and Its Impact
Although the revolt was suppressed, it demonstrated that peasants and the lower classes could organize themselves and make demands, leading the ruling class to recognize the importance of addressing social and economic issues more effectively.
The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was a turning point in English history, as it led to gradual changes in the feudal system and contributed to long-term improvements in the conditions of the peasants.