Description
A Sacrifice for Change : The Peasants Revolt 1381, with Alan Tolley
From discontent in rural villages to mayhem and murder
on the streets of London
The first popular revolt in English history began in the coastal villages of Essex and
Kent but, within weeks, had grown into a 30,000 strong rebel force, preparing to
march on London and air their grievances to the King himself.
Alan will outline the circumstances which led to the revolt, including why a 14th
century Poll Tax proved to be just as controversial as the one which followed more
than 600 years later, as well as the failures of social justice, the rising unpopularity of
both Church and Government, and the well-established, but unjust, feudal system.
Alan’s talk will be inspired by the lives of three key individuals with completely
different backgrounds and aspirations, each of whom played a key role in the Revolt.
Wat Tyler, the reluctant leader of the rebels, John Ball the radical priest from
Colchester, and the King, Richard II, a 14-year old boy who, aided by his mother the
Princess Joan, was forced to learn the hard way, the practicalities of kingship
This is a joint Holland House/Evesham Festival of Words event.
Arrivals from 12.30pm, lunch will be served at 1pm
Please note that Holland House does not provide a choice menu at meal times and it is therefore very important that you note any food types that you are unable to eat due to an allergy or you can advise of a dietary preference of vegetarian, pescatarian, dairy free, gluten free or vegan.