The Reality of the 1381 Revolt

Posted by Rachel Bellerby Jul 14, 2008

The riot happened during a time of great social change and, for many, financial hardship.

The Black Death had a serious effect on those who survived it. Not only did they have to deal with the grief of losing many family and friends, many who did survive the plague were left physically weakened.

Three successive poll taxes had been announced, to raise money for a war with France. How many ordinary people would have cared about battles in a country which seemed so far away? Surely they would rather the money had been put towards improving life in England.

The cause of the revolt, an attack on a poll tax collector, may seem trivial, but it was a symbol of the divisions between rich and poor and others were quick to join the cause against the authorities.

The population of London following the Black Death is estimated at around 50,000 people. The sudden arrival of a further 20,000 rebels must have been terrifying for Londoners. The city’s narrow streets and wooden houses would have made the large crowds seem frightening and overwhelming and the looting and burning placed the whole city at risk; a fire could engulf the city in minutes.

The riot lasted three days at most and achieved little. The same social structures remained in place and the rebel leaders were executed. England’s people must have wondered what was in store next.