The peasants' revolt in England 1381

Fobbing

May 30, 1381

Soldiers turn up in support of the tax collector, John Bampton, who has demanded that all of the villagers pay the Poll Tax.

Brentwood

Jun 2, 1381

You have joined up with rebels from other villages in Essex. The king has sent soldiers led by Sir Robert Belknap to frighten you into giving up your protest.

Maidstone

Jun 7, 1381

You hear news in the evening that huge rebel army in Kent has chosen a man called Wat Tyler as a leader of the revolt. They have also stormed Maidstone Castle and have released the popular priest John Ball.

Bishopsgate

Jun 12, 1381

After a few days marching with thousands of rebels you set up camp at Mile End, although a small group of you get as far as Bishopsgate, just outside the city walls.

Rotherhide

Jun 13, 1381

A few of you are lucky enough to cross the river to meet the Kent’s rebels’ leader at Rotherhide. Just as you arrive, a barge carrying the king and his advisers his spotted. Everyone shouts and boss the king’s advisers. The barge turns round and goes back to London. Some Londoners who support us have opened the City’s gates.

MIle End

Jun 14, 1381

You are just behind Wat Tyler as he meets the king Tyler tells the king your demands including an end to feudal system, a pardon for you all and death for his evil advisers. The king agrees to the first two and hands out Charters giving you your freedom.

Smithfield

Jun 15, 1381

Again you are close behind Wat Tyler as he meets again the king. Today, Tyler demand that all lands in the country is divided up and given to the peasants. The king seems to agree but suddenly the Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Walworthe, pulls out his sword and kills Tyler. For a moment it looks as if you will turn on Richard but the king calms the situation and promises you everything that you want. Should you:

London

Jun 17, 1381

You are in trouble! The king’s soldiers hunt down all peasants who stayed in London and kill them.
If you are lucky, you are arrested by the king’s soldiers because they think that you are one of the leaders of the revolt. They hang you by the side of the road just outside Chelmsford. You might be luckier to get back to Fobbing.

Back to Fobbing ... few weeks later

Jul 15, 1381

You are still alive, but things are not good for a couple of years. The king cancels the Charters and you are forced to do feudal service. However, within months the poll tax is abolished and ten years later Parliament stops setting the level of wages.