The Great Revolt of 1381

The Great Revolt of 1381 examines the English Peasants' Revolt through historical records and primary sources. Historian Charles Oman reconstructs the sequence of events that led to this massive uprising against the English crown. The book follows the development of the rebellion across different regions of England, tracking the spread of unrest from Kent and Essex to London. Oman analyzes the economic, social, and political conditions of 14th century England that created the environment for revolt. The narrative incorporates letters, chronicles, and government documents to present the perspectives of both rebels and authorities during the crisis. Key figures emerge through detailed accounts, including rebel leaders and members of King Richard II's government. This work stands as an examination of medieval class relations and the limits of royal authority in late medieval England. The text raises questions about the nature of power, justice, and social mobility in feudal society.

Readers value Oman's thorough research and use of primary sources to document the Peasants' Revolt, though some note the book shows its age (published 1906). Positives from reviews: - Clear chronological organization and detailed maps - Balanced examination of both rebel and government perspectives - Extensive citations and appendices with source documents - Analysis of economic and social factors beyond just political aspects Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dense and academic - Some outdated historical interpretations - Limited coverage of women's roles in the uprising - Focus primarily on events in southeastern England Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Specific reader comments: "Meticulous research but requires patience to get through the formal Victorian prose" - Goodreads reviewer "Still the most comprehensive single-volume account of the revolt" - Amazon review "Needed more analysis of the peasants' actual grievances" - Academia.edu review

The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 by R.B. Dobson and J. Taylor. A source-based examination of the English Peasants' Revolt through contemporary chronicles and court records.

The English Rising of 1381 by Rodney Hilton and T.H. Aston. A collection of scholarly analyses focusing on the social and economic conditions that led to the Great Revolt.

Summer of Blood: The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 by Dan Jones. A narrative history of the revolt that traces the path of the rebels from Kent and Essex to London.

The Class Struggle in Medieval Europe by Rodney Hilton. An examination of peasant movements and rebellions across medieval Europe, placing the 1381 revolt in broader context.

The World of Rural Dissenters by Margaret Spufford. A study of medieval English rural society and religious dissent that illuminates the social landscape from which the 1381 revolt emerged.

🔹 Charles Oman spent much of his research time dispelling myths about the Peasants' Revolt, including the popular but incorrect belief that it was solely caused by the Poll Tax of 1381. 🔹 The book was one of the first major historical works to extensively use local court records and municipal documents rather than just chroniclers' accounts of the revolt. 🔹 The revolt's leader, Wat Tyler, was not actually a peasant but a skilled craftsman - likely a roof tiler - which Oman emphasizes to show the diverse social makeup of the rebellion. 🔹 Published in 1906, this book remained the definitive academic work on the Peasants' Revolt for over 50 years, shaping how generations of historians viewed the event. 🔹 Oman discovered that several women played significant leadership roles in the revolt, including Johanna Ferrour, who helped coordinate the burning of the Savoy Palace and the execution of the Archbishop of Canterbury.