What was the Peasants’ Revolt?

The Peasants’ Revolt, also called Wat Tyler’s Rebellion, was the first great popular rebellion in English history, occurring in 1381. Inspired by the radical preaching of excommunicated priest John Ball, forces led by Wat Tyler marched on London and submitted demands to the 14-year-old King Richard II. With his armies far from the capital, Richard initially accepted the rebels’ terms. Tyler was soon captured and beheaded, however, and the revolt collapsed, with Richard almost immediately reversing his promises.