The Peasants' Revolt in The 14th Century

The war with France lasted for more than a hundred years (1337-1453). The people of England paid for the war. A tax of one shilling a head was taken by the gov­ernment from every man or woman above fifteen years of age. The peasants did not want to pay the tax. They gathered in large groups and marched to London with Wat Tyler at the head.

Speaking to the peasant a man John Ball said, "...things will never go well in England so long as goods are not in common, and so long as there are villeins and gentlemen." The peasants stood at the walls of the Tower of London where the king lived at that time. Wat Tyler was sent to speak to the king, but the king's soldiers killed him.

Many peasants died in the battle, some were killed on their way home. In this way the king put an end to the revolt.