Peasant Rebellions: English Peasant Rebellion (1381)

Figure 1.--Here Richard II, still a boy, confronts the rebelious Kentishmen at Smithfield. The artist depicts two scenes. First London's mayor, Walworth, slays Wat Tyler while Richard looks on. Second Richard confronts the rebelious peasants. The artist is unknown, but the painting has been dated 1385-1400.

One of the best known peasant rebellions is the English Peasants' Revolt which challenged the youthful Richard II (1381). The uprising is notable as the first great popular rebellion since the Boutica Celtic rebellion againct the Romans. The rebellion was sparked by the imposition of the poll tax which was widely resented (1381). Even before this their was rising economic dicontent which had been grosing since mid-century. The rebellion was not just an upsrising as the destitute, but included the entire yeoman class. This included relatively successful artisans and "villeins". Even more important to agricultural workers as well as the urban working class was the Statute of Labourers (1351). This was an attempt by the landed aristocracy to place a limit on wages. The Plague had ravaged England. The huge death toll had crearted a massive labor shortage. The surviving workers with their labor in short supply, were demanding higher wages and had in fact made real economic gains. Kentish men, under Wat Tyler, marched on London and essentially seized control of the City, including the Tower. Perhaps the most famous incident early in Richard's reign occurred the next day. Richard rode out on horseback into the midst of a mob of rebellious peasants in Smithfield. After what had occured in London, his presence of mind is remarable, especially considering his age. ichard confronted the rebels. It looked like the rebels were going to overturn the establish social system in England. Here Tyler was killed, but Richard won control of the rebels and defused the threat with promiss. The rebellion was over in less than a monthla. It completely failed as a social revolution.

Created: 7:36 AM 3/12/2009
Last updated: 7:36 AM 3/12/2009