Subject knowledge
The life of a peasant in 1831
Majority worked in the countryside. Production was organised around manors controlled by local lords. Some of the population were unfree serfs who had to work on their Lords' land for a period of time each year. Some serfs were born unfree and were unable to leave their manors without the consent of their Lord. The average peasant earned around half a shilling a week (around 6p). Revolts were usually prevented by the fear of violent punishments. Most areas also had castles in which soldiers were garrisoned to control behaviour. Causes of the Peasants' Revolt The Black Death 1348-1350 - `reduced the population by around a third. This meant a shortage in workers and allowed peasants to demand higher wages. For the first time the economy began to suit the peasant but Lords prevented this with the Statute of Labourers in 1351. Serfdom - villeins had no freedom to move to find better conditions. Tithes - 10% of earnings had to be given to the Church in the form of money or goods. This caused resentment. Poll Tax - introduced by Richard II in 1380 to fund the expensive war with France. Every male and female above 14 was to be levied 12 pence regardless of income. The Revolt Spark: Royal official John Bampton arrives in Essex to levy unpaid poll taxes. Growth: Uprisings spread across the country as Wat Tyler leads 50,000 peasants to the King R in London. Chaos: manor houses are burnt down, prisons thrown open and legal documents destroyed. Demands: 14 June 1831, peasants issue a manifesto demanding the abolition of serfdom and the creation of contracts between master and servant. Murder: The rebels break into the Tower of London and execute Sir Robert Hales and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sudbury. Their heads are displayed at London Bridge. Response: RIchard II agrees to all of the rebels demands. Wat Tyler is killed and the revolt crushed. Aftermath Richard II issues a proclamation stating he never agreed to any terms demanded by the rebels. 30 June 1831 - England's' serfs are ordered to return to their previous conditions of service. Questions for pupils to consider What was the point of the revolt? Why were the peasants' so resentful in 1831? Historians of the nineteenth century described the Revolt as a 'defining moment' in English history. Do you agree? Why did the Peasants' Revolt fail? Could they have done anything to make it a success? Key players The Peasants Richard II Wat Tyler John of Gaunt John Ball Sir Robert Hayles Jack Straw John Bampton Sadbury |
Teaching ideas/pedagogy
a.) Were the rebels of 1831 heroes or villains? Consider your views and discuss with a partner. b.) Complete a card sort of the causes of the Peasants' Revolt and prioritise them in order of significance. What were the least/most important causes? c.) Why were the peasants so angry by 1831? Create a diary entry or speech as if you are a peasant in 1831. How do you feel? d.) Create a radio show. Using character cards (e.g. Wat Tyler, Richard II, a peasant) interview the characters about their role in the revolt and how they feel and why. Record as a podcast if possible and listen to each group as a class. HOMEWORK: Complete a comic strip of the events of the Revolt. Be sure to include images, speech bubbles and captions. Causes, events and consequences of the Revolt from Timelines.tv.
A useful visual overview of the causes of the Revolt for Year 7's.
An interactive online game to test the knowledge of pupils at home or in the classroom: http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/games/hoopshoot/hoop_peasants.html KEY TERMINOLOGY SERFDOM PEASANT GENTRY REVOLT TITHE LEVY POLL TAX VILLEIN MANIFESTO |