The Peasants' Revolt: England's Summer of Rage

In 1381, England erupted in the most significant popular uprising of the Middle Ages. This episode explores the immediate triggers of the Peasants' Revolt, focusing on the unpopular poll tax and the radical preaching of John Ball. We trace the march from Kent to London, where rebels led by Wat Tyler confronted King Richard II at Smithfield. The narrative examines the political landscape under the young king, the role of the Church in fueling dissent, and the violent suppression that followed. By looking at primary sources like the chronicles of Thomas Walsingham and Henry Knighton, we uncover the human stories behind the violence, including the fate of Simon Sudbury and Sir Robert Hales. This is not just a story of rebellion but a pivotal moment in the decline of serfdom and the birth of English political consciousness. #PeasantsRevolt #WatTyler #JohnBall #RichardII #Smithfield #1381 #MedievalEngland #PollTax #SimonSudbury #RobertHales #ThomasWalsingham #HenryKnighton #Serfdom #Kent #London #RadicalPreaching #EnglishHistory #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo