The Peasants' Revolt was a large uprising in England, sparked by the poll tax of 1380 to 1381, the third in four years, which was levied to pay for the war with France. It also reflected anger over labor laws that held down wages after the Black Death and over remaining serfdom. Rebel bands from Kent and Essex, led by figures such as Wat Tyler and the preacher John Ball, marched on London, burned John of Gaunt's Savoy Palace and killed Archbishop Simon Sudbury and the treasurer Robert Hales. The young Richard II met the rebels and promised reforms, but at Smithfield Wat Tyler was killed by the Lord Mayor, William Walworth. The king's promises were revoked and the revolt was put down with executions, though the poll tax was abandoned.
Before and after
- c. 1377Construction of Bran Castle
- 1377Construction of Ulm Minster
- from 1378 to 1508Aq Qoyunlu
- 8 January 1379Birth of Callixtus III
- from 30 May 1381 to 1 November 1381Peasants' Revolt of 1381
- 1385Construction of Bodiam Castle
- 1386Construction of Heidelberg University
- 1386Construction of Milan Cathedral
- 1386Birth of Donatello
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The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 14th century.