Your Year Seven Revision
Audio files covering Y7 curriculum. This is produced from a UK school curriculum, using AI tools. It is not an official learning resource and any listeners accept the podcast as it is, an experimental, home made resource.
Your Year Seven Revision
History: 8. Medieval England (The Peasants' Revolt)
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
The Peasants’ Revolt: Causes, Events and Consequences – Revision Points
What Was the Peasants’ Revolt?
In 1381, thousands of peasants (poor farmers) across England rose up and rebelled against the king’s officials.
It was one of the first big protests by ordinary people in English history.
What Caused It?
After the Black Death, there were fewer workers—peasants wanted higher wages.
The lords and government tried to keep wages low using strict laws.
A new poll tax (everyone paid the same, even the poor) made people very angry.
People were tired of being controlled and treated unfairly.
Key Figures
Wat Tyler – leader of the rebel army from Kent.
John Ball – a priest who said, “When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?” (Meaning all people are equal.)
King Richard II – only 14 years old at the time.
What Happened? (Main Events)
Peasants marched to London, destroying tax records and killing hated officials.
They demanded changes to the law and fair treatment.
They met the king and made their demands.
The Death of Wat Tyler
At a meeting in London, Wat Tyler was killed by the king’s men.
The peasants were confused and scared without their leader, and the revolt fell apart.
What Were the Rebels Asking For?
An end to serfdom (being tied to the land and working for free).
Fairer taxes.
More freedom and better rights for workers.
The King’s Promise (and Lie)
King Richard II promised the rebels what they wanted—but after the revolt ended, he took it all back.
He punished the rebels and said peasants would always be peasants.
Short-Term Consequences
Many rebels were executed, and their hopes were crushed.
Lords were angry and scared—but serfdom was not removed immediately.
Long-Term Consequences
The idea of freedom for ordinary people had begun.
Over time, serfdom faded away, and peasants slowly gained more rights.
It was a warning to rulers: if you push people too far, they will fight back.
Conclusion
The Peasants’ Revolt didn’t win straight away, but it planted the seed of change.
It showed that even poor people could stand up and demand a fairer world.