Peasants’ Revolt
Category: History
Contents (Jump to Section)
Introduction
The Peasants’ Revolt was a major uprising across large parts of England in 1381. A number of grievances reached a head with the introduction of the hated Poll Tax in 1380. When it was discovered that people were refusing to pay, the decision to enforce collection resulted in an armed uprising, the result of which ensured no government attempted to levy a poll tax until Margaret Thatcher was once again defeated by popular resistance 600 years later.
Video: Timeline with Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson explores the major uprising across large parts of England in 1381; its origins, motives and aftermath.
Video: Paul Foot Speaks!
In 1981, author and investigative journalist and political campaigner, Paul Foot, gave an entertaining and informative lecture celebrating the 600th anniversary of the Peasants’ Revolt.
Research Project: The People Of 1381
The People Of 1381 is a research project that aims to produce the most comprehensive interpretation of the Peasants’ Revolt to date, considering the complex economic, social and political dynamics of the rebellion, to enhance our understanding of its cultural impact.
A key element is the creation of a database to provide the first overview of events, places and people involved.
Contemporary records are used to reconstruct biographies of the people caught up in the rising.
It also seeks to offer a ‘history from below,’ investigating the participation of social groups whose role has previously been under-researched.