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 for each person above fifteen years old was collected by the government. The people did not want to pay the tax. They gathered in large groups and marched to London with Wat Tyler at the front.

Speaking to the people, a man named John Ball said, "...things will not go well in England if everyone does not share goods." The people stood at the walls of the Tower of London where the King lived at that time. Wat Tyler went to speak to the King, but the King's soldiers killed him.

Many people died in the battle, and some were killed on their way home. In this way, the King ended the revolt.