1. If you had been a peasant in 1381…

2. … What would you have done?

3. The Peasants’ revolt 1381. What happened after Fobbing riots
The year is 1381 and tempers have snapped. Peasants in Essex and Kent have refused to pay the Poll Tax and demanded change.
You are about to find out what happened during the revolt by using the information and questions on this slideshow.
Make your choice every time you are asked to decide what would you do.
Use the answers to help you move onto the next stage after you have answered each question.

4. 30 May 1381, Fobbing
Soldiers turn up in support of the tax collector, John Bampton, who has demanded that all of the villagers pay the Poll Tax.
Should you:
agree to pay the Poll Tax even though you have no money?
join with the other villagers in chasing Bampton out of the village?

5. 2 June1381, Brentwood
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.
Should you:
join with the other rebels in attacking Belknap’s soldiers?
ignore this event and stay at home and agree to pay the Poll Tax?

6. 7 June1381, Maidstone
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.
Should you:
become worried at what has happened in Maidstone and decide to turn back to Fobbing?
send a message to Wat Tyler telling him that we will se him in London in a couple of days?

7. 12 June1381, Bishopsgate
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.
Should you:
sign a letter for the king listing your demands and asking for a meeting?
wait and see what happens?

8. 13 June1381, Rotherhide
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.
Should you:
enter the City and join in the rioting, burning the Savoy Palace and opening up the prison?
return to Miles End to wait and see what the events of the next day will bring?

9. 14 June1381, Mile End
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.
Should you:
join some rebels who go back into London and arrest and execute the king’s leading advisers including the Archbishop of Canterbury?
accept the king’s promises and set off home for Essex?

10. 15 June1381, smithfield
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:
stay in London to make sure that the king lives up to his word?
go home happy that the king will look after you?