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Questions about Peasants' Revolt

Short answers, pulled from the story.

What caused the Peasants Revolt in 1381?

The Peasants Revolt was triggered by a third poll tax of 12 pence on everyone over age 15 passed by Parliament in November 1380. This flat rate levy sparked widespread evasion and resentment across south-east England after previous taxes had already drained resources during the Hundred Years War.

Who led the Peasants Revolt in 1381?

Wat Tyler emerged as leader after a large gathering at Maidstone on the 7th of June 1381 though little is known about his earlier life. John Wrawe led forces north into Suffolk while other groups operated independently under figures like Geoffrey Litster in Norfolk and Thomas Ingleby in Somerset.

When did Wat Tyler die during the Peasants Revolt?

Wat Tyler died on the 15th of June 1381 when Lord Mayor William Walworth stabbed him at Smithfield outside London city walls. His head was cut off and displayed on a pole which caused the rebel movement to collapse immediately.

Where did the main events of the Peasants Revolt take place?

Major events occurred in Essex Kent Suffolk Norfolk Cambridgeshire Yorkshire and parts of southern England including Bridgwater and Scarborough. Rebels gathered at Blackheath near London on the 12th of June before entering the capital through Southwark and Aldgate on the 14th of June.

How many people were executed after the Peasants Revolt ended?

At least 1,500 rebels were executed or killed by November 1381 following royal suppression efforts across England. Key leaders including John Ball Jack Straw and Sir Roger Bacon faced execution or imprisonment with some pardons granted later in September 1381.