Jacobo Sternberg

 Leading to Rebellion  King Richard II’s poll tax in 1379 was roughly three times higher than 1377’s.  Additionally some poor people were given tax breaks while others were not, causing thoughts of injustice.  Due to the Black Death there was a national labor shortage.  Peasants were now able to bargain their right to work.  However Parliament passed the Statute of Labourers which greatly reduced the power workers had.

 Start of Movement  The Essex villages of Fobbing and Brentwood began the uprising  When wanting to collect payment at Fobbing the taxman was refused.  A justice sent to investigate the incident was promptly attacked at Brentwood.

 Attack at the Capital  Rebels from Kent moved to London under the leadership of Wat Tyler.  On the other hand the Essex group did systematic attacks on properties owned by nobility.  Rebels are reported to have met with the King to give their demands.  Among these demands were the removal of unpopular ministers and the end of serfdom.

 London Tower Storm  Simultaneously a group of rebels lead by Johanna Ferrour stormed the Tower of London.  They executed hiding noblemen including the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Treasurer.

 Collapse  The rebels were set to meet with the king once more at Smithfield.  On this occasion however Wat Tyler was killed for what is reported to be misbehavior and aggression at the meeting.  Afterwards the king promised to meet with the rebels demands and knight Tyler.  However the king broke his promise and hunted down the remaining leaders.  People quickly separated themselves from the movement.

 Results  Although not a direct success the peasant’s revolt demonstrated to the nobility that the lower classes wear capable of disrupting order.  The name “Poll Tax” was never used again.