Peasants’ Revolt

An English fleet defeats the French at the battle of Sluys in 1340. By now, Edward III’s war machine was reaping the benefits of a system of national taxation, approved by parliament (Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

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A scene from the Luttrell Psalter, c1330, gives an idealised insight into everyday life in 14th-century rural England

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The Peasants’ Revolt: everything you wanted to know. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 in England began in Brentwood, Essex as a protest at the collection of poll tax and reached a climax at Smithfield, London. Richard II (1367-1800) met the Kentish peasants who, under Watt Tyler (d1381), were demanding the end of serfdom. During the meeting William Walworth (d1385) Lord Mayor of London, wounded Wat Tyler who was taken to St Bartholomew's Hospital but was later dragged out of the hospital and beheaded. 19th century lithograph. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images)

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Boat diplomacy: Froissart's 'Chronicles' show Richard II acceding to many of the rebels' demands at Mile End, 14 June 1381. The speed with which the rebels flooded London wrong-footed the king's advisors. (Photo by Alamy)

Revealed: the true identity of the rebels of the Peasants' Revolt. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

The death of Wat Tyler', 1859. Tyler was a leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England, which saw a group of rebels march on London to oppose the institution of a poll tax and demand economic and social reforms. He was killed by officers loyal to King Richard II during negotiations at Smithfield, London. (Photo by Print Collector/Getty Images)

Your guide to the Peasants' Revolt of 1381

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A miniature from the Codex Justinianus

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Richard II sails down the Thames to Greenwich to meet the rebels. (Photo by Chronicle/Alamy Stock Photo)

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Illustration by Femke De Jong

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The Peasants’ Revolt. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

An illustration of the Peasants' Revolt

The Peasants’ Revolt: did Richard II side with the rebels?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.