Peasant's revolt

Jacobo Sternberg

Leading to Rebellion

King Richard II’s poll tax in 1379 was roughly three times higher than 1377’s.

Additionally some poor people were given tax breaks while others were not, causing thoughts of injustice.

Due to the Black Death there was a national labor shortage.

Peasants were now able to bargain their right to work.

However Parliament passed the Statute of Labourers which greatly reduced the power workers had.

Start of Movement

The Essex villages of Fobbing and Brentwood began the uprising

When wanting to collect payment at Fobbing the taxman was refused.

A justice sent to investigate the incident was promptly attacked at Brentwood.

Attack at the Capital

Rebels from Kent moved to London under the leadership of Wat Tyler.

On the other hand the Essex group did systematic attacks on properties owned by nobility.

Rebels are reported to have met with the King to give their demands.

Among these demands were the removal of unpopular ministers and the end of serfdom.

London Tower Storm

Simultaneously a group of rebels lead by Johanna Ferrour stormed the Tower of London.

They executed hiding noblemen including the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Treasurer.

Collapse

The rebels were set to meet with the king once more at Smithfield.

On this occasion however Wat Tyler was killed for what is reported to be misbehavior and aggression at the meeting.

Afterwards the king promised to meet with the rebels demands and knight Tyler.

However the king broke his promise and hunted down the remaining leaders.

People quickly separated themselves from the movement.

Results

Although not a direct success the peasant’s revolt demonstrated to the nobility that the lower classes wear capable of disrupting order.

The name “Poll Tax” was never used again.