Peasants Revolt - Film Learning Resource
Revolt and Celebrate
You are in the 21st century, but not for long! Join us and embark on a journey through the Peasants’ Revolt 1381.
The Peasants’ Revolt is a story of freedom, human rights, and protest; issues that still persist today.
Made by:
We are a group of young people who have created this learning resource – we hope you enjoy our films and learn something new along the way.
Thanks goes to our funder the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
What led to the Peasants Revolt?
Watch the first five films to learn about the circumstances which led the peasants to rebel. From a pandemic to a never ending war, life was really hard for normal people (peasants) living in Essex and the rest of the country. In the spring and summer of 1381, it all came to a head.
What was the Hundred Years’ War like from the perspective of a praying peasant?
A film about the thoughts of a peasant on the Hundred Years’ War. They pray to God to ask for peace as many are starving due to the unfair taxes which pay for the war. The Hundred Years’ War was actually longer than 100 years, lasting from 1337-1453. Taxes went up sharply before the Peasants’ Revolt and it is seen to be one of the main catalysts.
How did the Black Death affect the Peasants’ Revolt?
In Colchester alone, 50% of the population was wiped out. This mass indiscriminate pandemic directly influenced the Peasants’ Revolt. Supply of cheap labour (peasant workers) was reduced which allowed peasants to charge more for their produce and services, giving them a little autonomy and power. The Black Death touched everyone indiscriminately, questioning the existence of the feudal system.
What was the Hundred Years’ War like from the perspective of a starving peasant?
This is a film about the devastating effects and tolls the Hundred Years’ War took on the peasants of mediaeval England. This peasant is complaining about the amount of money they are being taxed for a war they don’t want and how it has been going on for so long. It was around when their grandfather was small and they are distressed at the fact they don’t know its end and are powerless to do anything about it.
What was it like to be a peasant?
This film details how the tax bailiff is putting stress on families. A peasant from West Hanningfield speaks about the bailiff John Geffrey from East Hanningfield who was blamed for pressurising peasants to join the revolt. John Geffrey lost his life at the end of the revolt as many testified against him.
What pushed the peasants to rebel? The events of 30th May – 11th June
Life as a peasant was hard. Illiterate, they had no way of reading tax bills which would be used to force them to pay. Events of 30th May-11th June at the very start of the Peasants’ Revolt are detailed in this rhyme. Wat Tyler, a man we still know very little about, was appointed as the leader of the revolt.
The Revolt
Four films which tell the story of the bloody and gruesome revolt.
Was there a peaceful result? The events of 12th June – 14th June
During the peasants’ protest, some took matters too far and killed indiscriminately. This killing mob was unaware that Wat Tyler had begun talks with the King and had been promised lower taxes. When the Tower of London was stormed, many died, from the King’s barber to noblemen. However, one boy survived unharmed, hidden away in a cupboard. His name was Henry Bolingbroke and he was a cousin of the king. He later became King Henry IV.
What role did King Richard play?
Take a closer look at the character of King Richard II. As a fourteen year old boy, he saw his great capital ambushed and his closest advisors killed. This is our film club’s interpretation of the promise that he made to the peasants to calm the situation.
What was the role of women during the revolt?
What were the women’s roles during the revolt? In this film, we hear of families where men went to join the revolt and the women stayed at home to look after the land. We know that this wasn’t always the case and some women did get involved. However, it’s open to interpretation what role the women played.
How did Wat Tyler Die?
Wat Tyler is a man we know so little about, other than his name. His death, however, is well documented. He was stabbed by the mayor of London! This film tells of his death from the eyes of a peasant reflecting on the revolt after returning home.
Modern Day
What evidence is there now of the Peasant Revolt and how has it impacted our daily lives, if at all? Watch a film about the restoration of the Belfry at West Hanningfield which started us on a journey of discovery, learning about the Peasants’ Revolt.
What documents are held at the Essex Record Office relating to the Peasants’ Revolt?
Watch a short documentary on the documents we found while researching the Peasants’ Revolt at the Essex Record Office.
How is the restoration of the Belfry at West Hanningfield linked to the Peasants’ Revolt?
An eight-year project to get bells ringing after 130 years of silence, the restoration of the Church is a story of hope, and also the catalyst to this whole project around the Peasants’ Revolt starting. Learn about the restoration and why it’s linked to the Peasants’ Revolt.