Was the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 a Turning Point in Medieval England?

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SUMMARY

The Peasants' Revolt of 1381, led by Wat Tyler, mobilized approximately 100,000 men to confront King Richard II at Smithfield, demanding social reforms and justice. This uprising was rooted in the imposition of the first poll tax, which sparked widespread discontent similar to the riots in the UK during the early 1990s. The revolt highlighted the persistent struggle for equality and universal suffrage, themes echoed by the Levellers in the 1600s, whose demands remain largely unfulfilled even after 400 years. The discussion also speculates on the etymology of "fobbing off" in relation to Tyler's village, Fobbing.

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  • Understanding of the socio-political context of Medieval England
  • Knowledge of the historical significance of the poll tax
  • Familiarity with the Levellers and their impact on political thought
  • Basic comprehension of etymology and historical linguistics
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wolram
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The 1300s a cruel time, in 1381 Wat Tighler (Tyler) gathered a 100,000 men
and marched to "Smithfield", to meet Richard the 11,to make demands for a fair way of life . on the way this army attacted abbeys and monasteries, killed lawyers and judges and released their brothers from prison.
http://www.ronaldbrucemeyer.com/rants/0612almanac.htm
 
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When you think about it this was an revolt off nearly 700 years ago that had its origins in the first 'poll tax'. Remember the second poll tax and the riots across the UK in the early 1990's. A tax first imposed on my fellow Scots.
If you look through history its astonishing what you find. The levellers were powerful lobbyists in the 1600's for universal sufferage for all men, equality and the abolishment of the monarchy.
Demands that nearly 400 years later are largely and sadly unachieved.
 
It's interesting to note that the village Wat Tyler resided in is called Fobbing. I wonder if this where "fobbing off" came from? Anyone have any information on this?