Written by Liam Nguyen, 22 May 2016. Edited by Kimmy Nguyen, 22 May 2016.
What is the Peasants Revolt?
After the devastating results of the Black Death, there were very few numbers of the population left; especially the peasants. This affected the lords in which there were only a very a small amount of workers. In order to keep the remaining peasants, they had to offer many things such as freedom and a larger pay; however, the peasants were quite worried as the lords could have taken back these privileges at any time that they wanted-- so the peasants were prepared for it.
In 1380, the public's worst fear had happened. The poll tax was introduced by King Richard II; the peasants had to pay 5 pence-- which was very expensive for them. Eventually, in the following year, the riots began.
In May, 1381, a certain tax collector came to the Essex village of Fobbing to see why the peasants were not paying. The tax collector was quickly kicked out of the village and the soldiers, who arrived in June, tried to restore peace and order but instead they found themselves thrown out as well.
This resulted in the peasants going to London with their leader named Wat Tyler, guiding them there so that they could make an agreement with the king. On the 12th of June, the king went to meet them but once he arrived down near the royal barge, the large numbers of peasants made the advisor tell him that landing was a bad idea. This angered the peasants further.
The peasants yet again requested a resolution with him the next day with the king only accepting because they destroyed the palace of John of Gaunt. Thus, on the 15th of June, the king arrived at the location that the peasants had requested as they stated their demands. King Richard II agreed with them and everything was finally settled, until the peasants killed some nobles during the king's absence.
On the 16th of June, Wat Tyler and the remaining peasants fought against King Richard II. Wat Tyler died in battle by the hands of Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth, and the battle ended. The peasants retreated, seeing no purpose to fight any longer, and the king ordered messengers to kill the remaining rebels.
In 1380, the public's worst fear had happened. The poll tax was introduced by King Richard II; the peasants had to pay 5 pence-- which was very expensive for them. Eventually, in the following year, the riots began.
In May, 1381, a certain tax collector came to the Essex village of Fobbing to see why the peasants were not paying. The tax collector was quickly kicked out of the village and the soldiers, who arrived in June, tried to restore peace and order but instead they found themselves thrown out as well.
This resulted in the peasants going to London with their leader named Wat Tyler, guiding them there so that they could make an agreement with the king. On the 12th of June, the king went to meet them but once he arrived down near the royal barge, the large numbers of peasants made the advisor tell him that landing was a bad idea. This angered the peasants further.
The peasants yet again requested a resolution with him the next day with the king only accepting because they destroyed the palace of John of Gaunt. Thus, on the 15th of June, the king arrived at the location that the peasants had requested as they stated their demands. King Richard II agreed with them and everything was finally settled, until the peasants killed some nobles during the king's absence.
On the 16th of June, Wat Tyler and the remaining peasants fought against King Richard II. Wat Tyler died in battle by the hands of Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth, and the battle ended. The peasants retreated, seeing no purpose to fight any longer, and the king ordered messengers to kill the remaining rebels.