When people think of the Peasants' Revolt, usually, the focus is on the Kentish Rebels. But what about the rebels north of London? Join Eri Berry as she explores how the 1381 Peasants' Revolt kicked off in Essex, the stories of the key players from this rebellion and the legacy they left behind.

In 1381, widespread anger over unfair tax burdens, economic hardship, and centuries of feudal control sparked the Peasants' Revolt - one of the most famous popular uprisings in English history. In this episode, Eri traces the origins of the rebellion and explore the pivotal role played by the people of Essex, who fired the very first sparks of revolt and marched alongside Wat Tyler to demand fundamental change from the young King Richard II.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro

00:26 Life as a Peasant

02:23 How Essex is involved

03:15 The Feudal System

07:39 The London Social Hierarchy

07:59 The Impact of the Plague

08:57 Some questionable legislation

14:13 Poll Tax

18:10 The Great Rumour and attempted tax collection

20:26 Meanwhile in Kent…

22:35 John Ball

25:57 Richard meets the Rebels

27:22 The Flemish Weavers

32:13 The Rebels' Demands

33:07 Meanwhile in the Tower of London…

35:28 The Death of Wat Tyler

37:10 Rebellions elsewhere quashed

38:35 The legacy of the Peasants' Revolt

40:38 Thanks for listening!

41:00 Credits

Key Names and Places:

King Richard II, John of Gaunt, Thomas Baker, John Ball, Wat Tyler, Essex, Fobbing, Brentwood, Colchester, London, Tower of London, Canterbury, St. Albans

Show Notes and Attribution:

Please click here.

DISCLAIMER

While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com.

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