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England, Arise: The People, the King and the Great Revolt of 1381
The dramatic and shocking events of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 are to be the backdrop to Juliet Barker's latest a snapshot of what everyday life was like for ordinary people living in the middle ages. The same highly successful techniques she deployed in Agincourt and Conquest will this time be brought to bear on civilian society, from the humblest serf forced to provide slave-labour for his master in the fields, to the prosperous country goodwife brewing, cooking and spinning her distaff and the ambitious burgess expanding his business and his mental horizons in the town. The book will explore how and why such a diverse and unlikely group of ordinary men and women from every corner of England united in armed rebellion against church and state to demand a radical political agenda which, had it been implemented, would have fundamentally transformed English society and anticipated the French Revolution by four hundred years. The book will not only provide an important reassessment of the revolt itself but will also be an illuminating and original study of English medieval life at the time.
528 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2014
38 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Barker
37 books147 followersJuliet R. V. Barker (born 1958) is a British historian, specialising in the Middle Ages and literary biography. She is the author of a number of well-regarded works on the Brontës, William Wordsworth, and medieval tournaments. From 1983 to 1989 she was the curator and librarian of the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
Barker was educated at Bradford Girls' Grammar School and St Anne's College, Oxford, where she gained her doctorate in medieval history. In 1999 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Bradford. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Barker was educated at Bradford Girls' Grammar School and St Anne's College, Oxford, where she gained her doctorate in medieval history. In 1999 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Bradford. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 26, 2014
In this wonderful book, Juliet Barker turns her attention to the summer of 1381, when England erupted in an unprecedented uprising – the so-called ‘Peasant’s Revolt.’ There was a call for the abolition of serfdom, freedom from tolls and taxes, the right for men to choose who they worked for and for what wages and, perhaps most revolutionary of all, for the seizure of the Church’s wealth and property. It is the story of men whose names are remembered, such as Wat Tyler, Jack Straw and John Balle, and of those who also led the rebels, but who are not as well known. Also central to the story is King Richard II – a fourteen year old boy who had to ride out and confront the rebels.
The author begins by setting the scene and, in order to do so, takes us back to the death of King Edward III in 1377. Edward had ruled over one of the longest periods of peace in medieval England, but less than a week after his death Charles V of France had organised an invasion. Edward’s grandson, Richard, was only ten when he succeeded him and this boy king had a lot to contend with. England was under attack and this was a country which had been ravaged by the Black Death, which first broke out in 1348. The population of England had plummeted and further outbreaks meant that there was still a shortage of manpower. With less men available to work the land, those who could work demanded higher wages and improved employment and more of the population began to work in towns. Obviously, the influence of the Church dominated daily life and yet their wealth and morals were being questioned. Barker explains how disillusionment and growing literacy rates helped lead to the revolt. Men were expected to be able to fight for the defence of the realm, leading to half the population legally armed and capable of fighting and a middle class who were literate, had aspirations and yet had no voice in government.
Of course, you cannot discuss the Peasant’s Revolt without talking about wars and taxes. Over a quarter of a million pounds had been spent on war since Richard’s accession and there was nothing to show for it. With more money needed, the easiest course was to levy another flat rate poll tax and this would be the spark which would ignite the revolt. Barker explains exactly what happened, why the tax caused such discontent and how the rebellion ignited. In an atmosphere of disaffection, betrayal, incompetence and hardship, there was immense discontent. Resentment of how the tax was collected, resentment at paying for a remote war in France which seemed to be a debacle, resentment at the king’s ministers. This book follows the rebellion as it sweeps all the way up to Yorkshire and follows the events in London, where rebels demanded to see the king. She describes the young king’s reaction to events, the suppression of the revolt and it’s legacy. This was a revolt which led to ordinary people defying authority and demanding redress for their wrongs. How far they succeeded is questionable, but Barker does a wonderful job of setting the scene, explaining what happened and why and making history readable and interesting. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
The author begins by setting the scene and, in order to do so, takes us back to the death of King Edward III in 1377. Edward had ruled over one of the longest periods of peace in medieval England, but less than a week after his death Charles V of France had organised an invasion. Edward’s grandson, Richard, was only ten when he succeeded him and this boy king had a lot to contend with. England was under attack and this was a country which had been ravaged by the Black Death, which first broke out in 1348. The population of England had plummeted and further outbreaks meant that there was still a shortage of manpower. With less men available to work the land, those who could work demanded higher wages and improved employment and more of the population began to work in towns. Obviously, the influence of the Church dominated daily life and yet their wealth and morals were being questioned. Barker explains how disillusionment and growing literacy rates helped lead to the revolt. Men were expected to be able to fight for the defence of the realm, leading to half the population legally armed and capable of fighting and a middle class who were literate, had aspirations and yet had no voice in government.
Of course, you cannot discuss the Peasant’s Revolt without talking about wars and taxes. Over a quarter of a million pounds had been spent on war since Richard’s accession and there was nothing to show for it. With more money needed, the easiest course was to levy another flat rate poll tax and this would be the spark which would ignite the revolt. Barker explains exactly what happened, why the tax caused such discontent and how the rebellion ignited. In an atmosphere of disaffection, betrayal, incompetence and hardship, there was immense discontent. Resentment of how the tax was collected, resentment at paying for a remote war in France which seemed to be a debacle, resentment at the king’s ministers. This book follows the rebellion as it sweeps all the way up to Yorkshire and follows the events in London, where rebels demanded to see the king. She describes the young king’s reaction to events, the suppression of the revolt and it’s legacy. This was a revolt which led to ordinary people defying authority and demanding redress for their wrongs. How far they succeeded is questionable, but Barker does a wonderful job of setting the scene, explaining what happened and why and making history readable and interesting. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
January 8, 2017
A well researched and informative account of the "peasants" revolt. The author provides the background on the events (taxes, wars, plague etc) that come together to see revolt and revenge foment.
There is a lot of detail around the counties and the taxes owed and collected, including the payers and collectors. It is the description of these that at times makes the book dry and a little repetive as we move from village, parish, hundred in one county to the next.
That said Ms Barker has done a good job in building the story and putting as many clothes as she can on the players, although the most famous names such as Wat Tyler and Jack Straw, are perhaps not as involved as one might think; mainly as there is lttle know about them.
All in all a useful book about a significant event in 1381 that didn't change England in the way the participants may have wanted, but has remained something discussed and referred to in modern times.
There is a lot of detail around the counties and the taxes owed and collected, including the payers and collectors. It is the description of these that at times makes the book dry and a little repetive as we move from village, parish, hundred in one county to the next.
That said Ms Barker has done a good job in building the story and putting as many clothes as she can on the players, although the most famous names such as Wat Tyler and Jack Straw, are perhaps not as involved as one might think; mainly as there is lttle know about them.
All in all a useful book about a significant event in 1381 that didn't change England in the way the participants may have wanted, but has remained something discussed and referred to in modern times.
August 5, 2025
“When Adam delved, and Eve span,
Who was then a gentleman?”
A subversive, anti-hierarchical, quote attributed to John Balle, an itinerant preacher and one of the leaders of the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381 medieval England. A major attempt at a popular revolution.
I made a point of searching out a history of this event, maybe subconsciously inspired by my frustration at the poor governance I see all around nowadays! Though the lessons here, as in other revolutions I’ve studied, are predictable - it’s a crude, blunt tool that virtually never achieves whatever fine ideals might underlie it at the start.
I chose this book after some research as it’s reviewed as being at the drier, historical research, end of popular books on this event. I was tempted by a Dan Jones history book on the same subject, especially as I like his chatty, accessible style, but this seemed to promise more detail.
And be warned that this is a very detailed history. The author has clearly dug into archives, done her research from the sources. For every event presented, before, during and after the revolt, she provides well documented stories of individuals extracted from the records. And that’s surprising too - how much documentation is still available of court cases and proclamations, and deeds, from the 14th century. Names, occupations, even quite humble ones, all in records somewhere.
I had suspected beforehand I might skip a lot of the detail I knew that I’d face but I increasingly found it absorbing, seeing motivations, rivalries, idealist views even, well explained from 650 years ago.
The Revolt itself started due to its own unique background. The Black Death a generation previously, with 30%-50% of the population dying from Bubonic Plague, created a labour shortage in a primarily agricultural society. The result was conflict with landowners trying to tie their tenants more tightly to them, not just bonded tenants (serfs) but even free tenants. The tenants of course were looking for the opposite: higher wages, less tied obligations to landlords, etc. Laws were passed to favour landowners but with limited success. On top of this the aristocrats still pursued wars with France, as they always did, and needed to raise serious sums of money to pay for the armies. It was three quick rounds of universal taxation that finally provided the straw that broke the camels back.
The revolt started in reaction to this latest round of taxation, and tax collectors were an initial target. But the author shows how it also provided the outlet to the frustrations the ordinary folk had with landlords, be they lords of the local manor or particularly the vast estates owned by the church. Even more, conflicts between landowners and the nearby growing towns, with their free tradesmen and merchants bubbled over.
The conditions were right for a revolution and for a brief while, no more than a month, it raged but in the end it was largely undirected in its aims. Many of the leaders were literate, such as merchants or travelling preachers, and they provided some ideological foundation. Not fully a ‘Peasants Revolt’.The young boy King signed documents to defuse the demands, apparently abolishing serfdom, tolls, landlord obligations, etc. but these were quickly revoked when the revolutionaries dispersed, aims apparently satisfied, trusting the King to allow them to return to normal life . And then the persecution methodically followed as the ruling groups got their forces organised and pursued the leaders of the revolt. The boy King’s honesty regarding his opinions are a little unclear initially but his advisors and fellow lords soon ensured the complete reversal of any agreed reforms.
There’s more detail than this brief summary indicates. For example, it’s surprising to see how established legal processes were. Corrupt landowners and officials were occasionally found guilty of abuses but money could sort out the likely fine or even buy an official pardon; those found guilty of insurrection were not all executed (many were!) and some were pardoned though money for restitution could be an issue. Citizen juries were an established feature - where they were used in the aftermath of the revolt they often they refused to find those involved guilty. Sometimes an autocratic judge would overrule that verdict though, and this is documented.
I guess it’s those personal details that made this account so absorbing, even if it is slow paced, a bit academic in tone.
And once again a justified revolt against oppression that doesn’t manage to deliver, though perhaps far less surprising given its era. The French Revolution is far more disappointing in that respect, but another story!
The main text occupies about 2/3 of the quoted page count. The rest is formed of some short appendices and an extensive bibliography and index.
Who was then a gentleman?”
A subversive, anti-hierarchical, quote attributed to John Balle, an itinerant preacher and one of the leaders of the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381 medieval England. A major attempt at a popular revolution.
I made a point of searching out a history of this event, maybe subconsciously inspired by my frustration at the poor governance I see all around nowadays! Though the lessons here, as in other revolutions I’ve studied, are predictable - it’s a crude, blunt tool that virtually never achieves whatever fine ideals might underlie it at the start.
I chose this book after some research as it’s reviewed as being at the drier, historical research, end of popular books on this event. I was tempted by a Dan Jones history book on the same subject, especially as I like his chatty, accessible style, but this seemed to promise more detail.
And be warned that this is a very detailed history. The author has clearly dug into archives, done her research from the sources. For every event presented, before, during and after the revolt, she provides well documented stories of individuals extracted from the records. And that’s surprising too - how much documentation is still available of court cases and proclamations, and deeds, from the 14th century. Names, occupations, even quite humble ones, all in records somewhere.
I had suspected beforehand I might skip a lot of the detail I knew that I’d face but I increasingly found it absorbing, seeing motivations, rivalries, idealist views even, well explained from 650 years ago.
The Revolt itself started due to its own unique background. The Black Death a generation previously, with 30%-50% of the population dying from Bubonic Plague, created a labour shortage in a primarily agricultural society. The result was conflict with landowners trying to tie their tenants more tightly to them, not just bonded tenants (serfs) but even free tenants. The tenants of course were looking for the opposite: higher wages, less tied obligations to landlords, etc. Laws were passed to favour landowners but with limited success. On top of this the aristocrats still pursued wars with France, as they always did, and needed to raise serious sums of money to pay for the armies. It was three quick rounds of universal taxation that finally provided the straw that broke the camels back.
The revolt started in reaction to this latest round of taxation, and tax collectors were an initial target. But the author shows how it also provided the outlet to the frustrations the ordinary folk had with landlords, be they lords of the local manor or particularly the vast estates owned by the church. Even more, conflicts between landowners and the nearby growing towns, with their free tradesmen and merchants bubbled over.
The conditions were right for a revolution and for a brief while, no more than a month, it raged but in the end it was largely undirected in its aims. Many of the leaders were literate, such as merchants or travelling preachers, and they provided some ideological foundation. Not fully a ‘Peasants Revolt’.The young boy King signed documents to defuse the demands, apparently abolishing serfdom, tolls, landlord obligations, etc. but these were quickly revoked when the revolutionaries dispersed, aims apparently satisfied, trusting the King to allow them to return to normal life . And then the persecution methodically followed as the ruling groups got their forces organised and pursued the leaders of the revolt. The boy King’s honesty regarding his opinions are a little unclear initially but his advisors and fellow lords soon ensured the complete reversal of any agreed reforms.
There’s more detail than this brief summary indicates. For example, it’s surprising to see how established legal processes were. Corrupt landowners and officials were occasionally found guilty of abuses but money could sort out the likely fine or even buy an official pardon; those found guilty of insurrection were not all executed (many were!) and some were pardoned though money for restitution could be an issue. Citizen juries were an established feature - where they were used in the aftermath of the revolt they often they refused to find those involved guilty. Sometimes an autocratic judge would overrule that verdict though, and this is documented.
I guess it’s those personal details that made this account so absorbing, even if it is slow paced, a bit academic in tone.
And once again a justified revolt against oppression that doesn’t manage to deliver, though perhaps far less surprising given its era. The French Revolution is far more disappointing in that respect, but another story!
The main text occupies about 2/3 of the quoted page count. The rest is formed of some short appendices and an extensive bibliography and index.
September 20, 2015
This is a brilliant book. A work of serious history that is enjoyable and easy to read as a novel - that is, a good novel.
It's easy to state that the lower orders in 14th Century England were 'oppressed'. Juliet Barker sets out clear examples of *how* they were oppressed by the many greedy, grasping and plain corrupt landowners of the time. Dowagers and churchmen were among the most oppressive, and it's easy to understand why 'good lordship' (when it was available) was so well appreciated.
It is also noteworthy that the rebels were not just the lowest in the social scale. Some were craftsmen and small traders, and a few were 'gentlemen'. Many were relatively-rich farmers. Barker points out that in Kent, due to the way land tenure was arranged, there was no such thing as villeinage. So the Kentish rebels were many things, but one thing they were not was serfs.
Key to this revolt was the frequent and relatively heavy level of taxation which had to be raised because of the ongoing war against France. This war may have been exciting, honourable and patriotic in the eyes of the nobility (and of many modern historians) but it was clearly a disaster for the poor saps who had to pay for the 'glory' and ultimately for the kingdom. It seems obvious to me that Richard II wanted to end the French war because he had the wit to see that it was financially unsustainable. Few historians give him credit for this though - one suspects they prefer gloryhunting spendthrifts who give them battles to write about.
Barker believes that Richard II genuinely wished to release the serfs from villeinage, but was thwarted by his council, and ultimately Parliament. He was naive to think that the propertied classes would part with any tithe of their property rights for the general good unless forced to do so, but at least in his intent, Richard was a relatively enlightened ruler.
It is interesting that in this book Barker time and time again detects the chronicler Walsingham in matters of falsehood. Walsingham is a key chronicler for the reign, and much relied upon, but this demonstrates once again that chronicles often mislead, and should never be treated as holy writ.
It's easy to state that the lower orders in 14th Century England were 'oppressed'. Juliet Barker sets out clear examples of *how* they were oppressed by the many greedy, grasping and plain corrupt landowners of the time. Dowagers and churchmen were among the most oppressive, and it's easy to understand why 'good lordship' (when it was available) was so well appreciated.
It is also noteworthy that the rebels were not just the lowest in the social scale. Some were craftsmen and small traders, and a few were 'gentlemen'. Many were relatively-rich farmers. Barker points out that in Kent, due to the way land tenure was arranged, there was no such thing as villeinage. So the Kentish rebels were many things, but one thing they were not was serfs.
Key to this revolt was the frequent and relatively heavy level of taxation which had to be raised because of the ongoing war against France. This war may have been exciting, honourable and patriotic in the eyes of the nobility (and of many modern historians) but it was clearly a disaster for the poor saps who had to pay for the 'glory' and ultimately for the kingdom. It seems obvious to me that Richard II wanted to end the French war because he had the wit to see that it was financially unsustainable. Few historians give him credit for this though - one suspects they prefer gloryhunting spendthrifts who give them battles to write about.
Barker believes that Richard II genuinely wished to release the serfs from villeinage, but was thwarted by his council, and ultimately Parliament. He was naive to think that the propertied classes would part with any tithe of their property rights for the general good unless forced to do so, but at least in his intent, Richard was a relatively enlightened ruler.
It is interesting that in this book Barker time and time again detects the chronicler Walsingham in matters of falsehood. Walsingham is a key chronicler for the reign, and much relied upon, but this demonstrates once again that chronicles often mislead, and should never be treated as holy writ.
September 19, 2024
This book is really well written. I’ve read a few books on the peasant revolt and this is definitely the most in depth and detailed telling. It truly explored every part and I am amazed at the amount of research and time it must have taken to put this book together. Some of the chapters, especially the ones around the start of the revolt and what happens in London, are really interesting and exciting to read.
For this book however, its greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. Its depth and detail makes it very difficult to follow at times. Certain chapters became lists of names and properties destroyed. I had to re read the same pages multiple times to try and understand where I was and who was doing what. It also made these chapter so hard to finish. I felt like I was forcing myself to keep reading which made it a chore, more than a pleasure. Now this may just be a reflection on my ability to concentrate but I have read a lot of history books and it is rare for me to feel this way.
This book is for those who what the peasants revolt written in specifics, details and depth. I would suggest someone who has read broader books on the subject to read this as an enhancement of your knowledge rather than this being the first book on the subject. More accessible books on the revolt, like Dan Jones’s Summer of Blood, would probably be best to gain a base understanding and excitement around the subject before reading this.
It is really well written and I did enjoy large sections of it but I can’t give a book that made me that bored at times more than a 3 stars.
For this book however, its greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. Its depth and detail makes it very difficult to follow at times. Certain chapters became lists of names and properties destroyed. I had to re read the same pages multiple times to try and understand where I was and who was doing what. It also made these chapter so hard to finish. I felt like I was forcing myself to keep reading which made it a chore, more than a pleasure. Now this may just be a reflection on my ability to concentrate but I have read a lot of history books and it is rare for me to feel this way.
This book is for those who what the peasants revolt written in specifics, details and depth. I would suggest someone who has read broader books on the subject to read this as an enhancement of your knowledge rather than this being the first book on the subject. More accessible books on the revolt, like Dan Jones’s Summer of Blood, would probably be best to gain a base understanding and excitement around the subject before reading this.
It is really well written and I did enjoy large sections of it but I can’t give a book that made me that bored at times more than a 3 stars.
January 27, 2019
I love Juliet Barker's work. Not only has she produced the finest biography of the Brontes, but her historical non fiction is always coherent, well ordered, intelligently argued and supported with facts. She never allows herself to be swayed by the received wisdom as regards the historical understanding of an event either, but instead seeks the most plausible answers backed up with meticulous research. Her account in England, Arise! of the Great Revolt of 1381 (colloquially known as the peasant's revolt) is no exception. Relying as it does on chronicles and tax records, it could have been a very dry read in less skilled hands. Instead we're given a lively account that forces us to question what we previously understood. This truly is excellent. I read this as research for a book I'm writing and it's a valuable resource. One I will reread before I'm done!
July 23, 2017
There's lots of good stuff in here, but I found the structure a bit offputting. Barker moves around quite rapidly between one time and another, going back and forth in order to gain evidence to make particular arguments about aspects of the revolt. I found most of her arguments convincing - and some of them very interesting - but she doesn't provide enough background information about the revolt before going into them. I was frequently confused, despite knowing a bit (not a lot) about the revolt. If I'd known nothing about it, I would have been lost.
I get the impression that Barker (and/or the publisher) are trying to provide a book that is suitable for academic study as well as of interest to a general readership, and it ends up getting a bit stuck in the middle. That said, I'm glad I read it and I learnt quite a lot. The most interesting part was perhaps the first few chapters, which deal with life in medieval times and challenge some common misconceptions.
I'd recommend this book to people who have already read about the revolt and want to go into more detail. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who has previously read little or nothing about the revolt.
I get the impression that Barker (and/or the publisher) are trying to provide a book that is suitable for academic study as well as of interest to a general readership, and it ends up getting a bit stuck in the middle. That said, I'm glad I read it and I learnt quite a lot. The most interesting part was perhaps the first few chapters, which deal with life in medieval times and challenge some common misconceptions.
I'd recommend this book to people who have already read about the revolt and want to go into more detail. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who has previously read little or nothing about the revolt.
June 14, 2015
This was a very difficult read! I thought some of the chapters would have been better as articles, rather than a book for general readers. However, if the details of the various counties of England during the revolt are your thing, you will love this book. I loved her treatment of sources, though. I found it interesting and instructive. She is an outstanding historian. The narrative in this book is dry, which is sad, because I thought her book on Henry IV was outstanding. Maybe better editing? Or, maybe its just me.
December 1, 2025
What can I possibly say about Juliet Barker that I haven’t said a dozen times already? She remains one of the very few historical writers who can completely consume me. Every time I pick up one of her books, I know two things will happen:
1. I’m going to be absolutely glued to the page, and
2. I’m going to learn so much more than I ever expected, even when I think I already know the subject inside and out.
Barker has this unmatched gift for making history feel alive. She never dumps facts at you like you’re reading some dusty ledger. Instead, she takes your hand and walks you straight into the past. She introduces you not just to kings, nobles, and rebels, but to the people history usually forgets. The bakers waking at 2 a.m. to feed a city; the grooms tending tired horses; the children darting through crowded streets; the farmers pushing through another long, hard day. In Barker’s hands, everyone matters. Everyone has a place. Everyone gets their moment in the tapestry.
Her retelling of the Great Revolt of 1381 is gripping, intimate, and endlessly fascinating. I came out the other side with volumes of new insight and a renewed appreciation for how complex and human this moment of rebellion truly was.
If you love history told with clarity, compassion, and cinematic detail… or if you’re just a loud-and-proud history nerd like me (flag waving aggressively 😂😂), then this is absolutely essential reading.
1. I’m going to be absolutely glued to the page, and
2. I’m going to learn so much more than I ever expected, even when I think I already know the subject inside and out.
Barker has this unmatched gift for making history feel alive. She never dumps facts at you like you’re reading some dusty ledger. Instead, she takes your hand and walks you straight into the past. She introduces you not just to kings, nobles, and rebels, but to the people history usually forgets. The bakers waking at 2 a.m. to feed a city; the grooms tending tired horses; the children darting through crowded streets; the farmers pushing through another long, hard day. In Barker’s hands, everyone matters. Everyone has a place. Everyone gets their moment in the tapestry.
Her retelling of the Great Revolt of 1381 is gripping, intimate, and endlessly fascinating. I came out the other side with volumes of new insight and a renewed appreciation for how complex and human this moment of rebellion truly was.
If you love history told with clarity, compassion, and cinematic detail… or if you’re just a loud-and-proud history nerd like me (flag waving aggressively 😂😂), then this is absolutely essential reading.
September 11, 2017
Uses the prism of the Great Rebellion (AKA the "Peasant's Revolt") of 1381 to construct a marvellously detailed portrait of everyday life in 14th century England, and does a fine job of untangling the vagaries of pre-standardised English spellings to boot.
August 25, 2016
To be honest, I didn't read the whole book. I made it to page 212 and then jumped to the last chapter. I'm sure this is an excellent and well-researched historical study, but it just was dense and dry. I'm looking more for a good story, not a recital of fact after fact. I couldn't keep track of all the names without some kind of thread to follow. I liked the political and economic background, but then I just got bogged down in all the minutiae. To be fair, I'm reviewing for a public library audience, not an academic one. The color plates are nice, lots of notes, and yay! a bibliography, but what it really could have used were maps.
Book description: Barker tells how and why a diverse and unlikely group of ordinary men and women from every corner of England―from servants and laborers living off wages, through the village elite who served as bailiffs, constables, and stewards, to the ranks of the gentry―united in armed rebellion against church and state to demand a radical political agenda. Had it been implemented, this agenda would have transformed English society and anticipated the French Revolution by four hundred years. Skeptical of contemporary chroniclers’ accounts of events, Barker draws on the judicial sources of the indictments and court proceedings that followed the rebellion. This emphasis offers a fresh perspective on the so-called Peasants’ Revolt and gives depth and texture to the historical narrative. Among the book’s arguments are that the rebels believed they were the loyal subjects of the king acting in his interests, and that the boy-king Richard II sympathized with their grievances.
Book description: Barker tells how and why a diverse and unlikely group of ordinary men and women from every corner of England―from servants and laborers living off wages, through the village elite who served as bailiffs, constables, and stewards, to the ranks of the gentry―united in armed rebellion against church and state to demand a radical political agenda. Had it been implemented, this agenda would have transformed English society and anticipated the French Revolution by four hundred years. Skeptical of contemporary chroniclers’ accounts of events, Barker draws on the judicial sources of the indictments and court proceedings that followed the rebellion. This emphasis offers a fresh perspective on the so-called Peasants’ Revolt and gives depth and texture to the historical narrative. Among the book’s arguments are that the rebels believed they were the loyal subjects of the king acting in his interests, and that the boy-king Richard II sympathized with their grievances.
September 19, 2019
Revolutions don't suddenly materialise. People don't one day sit at home, enjoying a peaceful life, and overnight decide they've had enough. Juliet Barker's book, England, Arise traces the events that led to what's commonly referred to as the "Peasants' Revolt", but what Barker prefers to call the "Great Revolt". It took a decade or so before the final straw, the imposition of a third poll tax in five years, caused the commons to rise up. Barker then pieces together the movements of the rebels and their leaders, Wat Tyler, Jack Straw and John Balle. There was an inordinate amount of document burning, sacking and beheading, but inevitably, order was restored and the ringleaders were punished.
The main thesis of the book is that the teenage King Richard II "sympathised with the grievances of the rebels, willingly granted the letters of manumission and pardon at Mile End and would have stood by them if he had not been overruled by his councillors and eventually by parliament as well." I found the argument persuasive, if not conclusive.
England, Arise seems much more academic than Antonia Fraser's historical non-fiction, which I used to devour. The explanation of the events that led to the revolt was more engaging than the uprising itself. That may be because there just doesn't seem to be much reliable evidence about the subject, and so Tyler, Straw and Balle remain indistinct characters.
The book probably won't appeal to those looking for a fast moving plot, but for me, it re-ignited a long lost interest in 14th century English history.
The main thesis of the book is that the teenage King Richard II "sympathised with the grievances of the rebels, willingly granted the letters of manumission and pardon at Mile End and would have stood by them if he had not been overruled by his councillors and eventually by parliament as well." I found the argument persuasive, if not conclusive.
England, Arise seems much more academic than Antonia Fraser's historical non-fiction, which I used to devour. The explanation of the events that led to the revolt was more engaging than the uprising itself. That may be because there just doesn't seem to be much reliable evidence about the subject, and so Tyler, Straw and Balle remain indistinct characters.
The book probably won't appeal to those looking for a fast moving plot, but for me, it re-ignited a long lost interest in 14th century English history.
December 10, 2014
All of us who are interested in history think we know about the Peasants' Revolt. Barker shows how little we know. For a start, she discards the name, since it was far from just peasants who were involved. What we would now call the middle classes were in the forefront of the Great Revolt.
This is popular history writing at its best. It is lucid, accessible and engaging while based on thorough research.
This is popular history writing at its best. It is lucid, accessible and engaging while based on thorough research.
May 8, 2015
This is a remarkably good book, both scholarly and accessible. In 1381 the ordinary working people of England were faced with a huge tax burden forced upon them by an inefficient and corrupt government. Ignored by their leaders and pushed to the point of desperation, they rose up.
Ms Barker gives a clear and well reasoned account of the why and how this happened and the consequences.
Ms Barker gives a clear and well reasoned account of the why and how this happened and the consequences.
March 14, 2016
Barker sets the scene brilliantly and elucidates the root causes of the great revolt. Her description of the events during that brief and chaotic period are concise as the events were brutal. However, the contention that King Richard sympathized with the goals of the rebels isn't supported by the evidence presented, though it is a tempting agument to make.
March 7, 2019
Anyone know where I can get a "Team Wat Tyler" T-shirt??
December 28, 2025
Nonfiction about a rebellion in England in 1381. The Great Peasants' Revolt, as it's often called (despite not actually being led by or confined to peasants) is a weird historical moment. It was extremely insignificant in some ways – it lasted barely two weeks, didn't manage to expand out of a single region, had no clear leaders or organization, didn't really have clear goals and didn't achieve any of those it gestured at. Some historians have even suggested that calling it a 'revolt' is an exaggeration and it would be more accurate to call it a protest or an uprising. And yet it was extremely successful in other ways – the rebels managed to take over London, kill both the archbishop of Canterbury (who was also the chief minister of Great Britain at the time) and the chief treasurer, briefly kidnapped the King and got him to sign letters acceding to their demands, and destroyed an immense palace. Not to mention its enormous resonance ever since, and the lasting fame of Wat Tyler and the rhyme "When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then a gentleman?"
Barker's narration covers the events with great depth and detail, while still being readable enough for a general audience. She points out that some of best-known parts of the Revolt are more historical legend than fact. For instance, despite his name recognition today, we know literally nothing about Wat Tyler before the beginning of the Revolt, not even where he was living or where he was born.
The best chapters came at the very beginning of the book, where Barker gives a general social and political history of England in the late fourteenth century, and at the very end, where she describes how the story of the Revolt has influenced centuries of philosophers and writers. On the negative side, some of the chapters in between get extremely repetitive, describing what feels like every single near-identical small town in southeastern England and the petty grievances that led to local outbreaks of violence.
Overall, a good book about an interesting topic, but I would have summarized parts of it.
Barker's narration covers the events with great depth and detail, while still being readable enough for a general audience. She points out that some of best-known parts of the Revolt are more historical legend than fact. For instance, despite his name recognition today, we know literally nothing about Wat Tyler before the beginning of the Revolt, not even where he was living or where he was born.
The best chapters came at the very beginning of the book, where Barker gives a general social and political history of England in the late fourteenth century, and at the very end, where she describes how the story of the Revolt has influenced centuries of philosophers and writers. On the negative side, some of the chapters in between get extremely repetitive, describing what feels like every single near-identical small town in southeastern England and the petty grievances that led to local outbreaks of violence.
Overall, a good book about an interesting topic, but I would have summarized parts of it.
May 31, 2019
This is a book that answered an urgent need to know more about the Peasants' Revolt. Nearly three decades after first encountering *A Dream of John Ball* I recently reread William Morris's short novel. That experience created that urgent need. I needed to know more. Barker brilliantly answered my questions, and more.
As a historian Barker faced the monumental task of assembling evidence about subjects whose activities included the destruction of records which would have contained the details that are the stuff of historical studies. In the end, certain details remained frustratingly elusive. What she did do, painstakingly was collect and collate seemingly all of the facts that could be put to hand.
The result was one which for me (and, apparently, other readers as well) seemed a bit dense, as if the characters represented on a tapestry had experienced a population explosion. The deficit in information about well-known actors (Tyler, Straw, Ball) is more than balanced by a plethora of details of how the revolt played out in town after town, county after county, who the players were and what their relationship histories might have been. If slow-going (and it was, at times for me, due to my ignorance of geographical and medieval English titles and terms) this discussion is valuable precisely because it it at the heart of the Revolt as it actually existed.
The opening chapters, with their detailed description of English society and life in the fourteenth century, is first-rate historical writing and quite valuable.
Over all, this book is quite successful and valuable, and I would readily recommend it to anyone with an interest in not only the Peasants' Revolt (or Great Revolt, as Barker proposes) but more generally in medieval English history.
As a historian Barker faced the monumental task of assembling evidence about subjects whose activities included the destruction of records which would have contained the details that are the stuff of historical studies. In the end, certain details remained frustratingly elusive. What she did do, painstakingly was collect and collate seemingly all of the facts that could be put to hand.
The result was one which for me (and, apparently, other readers as well) seemed a bit dense, as if the characters represented on a tapestry had experienced a population explosion. The deficit in information about well-known actors (Tyler, Straw, Ball) is more than balanced by a plethora of details of how the revolt played out in town after town, county after county, who the players were and what their relationship histories might have been. If slow-going (and it was, at times for me, due to my ignorance of geographical and medieval English titles and terms) this discussion is valuable precisely because it it at the heart of the Revolt as it actually existed.
The opening chapters, with their detailed description of English society and life in the fourteenth century, is first-rate historical writing and quite valuable.
Over all, this book is quite successful and valuable, and I would readily recommend it to anyone with an interest in not only the Peasants' Revolt (or Great Revolt, as Barker proposes) but more generally in medieval English history.
June 22, 2021
I found this an excellent history of a period and events about which I knew too little. Barker writes in a lively and easily-read manner. Her research is obviously very thorough and she points out when her conclusions are not universally shared.
As much as I have had a basic knowledge of Mediaeval class disparities in things like wealth and material assets, I had not realised that the aristocracy had so completely accumulated all legislative, judicial and civil power into its hands, rendering the serfs utterly impotent. Couple that with many of the nobles' avarice and corruption and it becomes entirely understandable that the persecuted classes rebelled. Although Barker makes the slightly surprising point that it was not so much the peasants who revolted, but the literate, artisanal classes. They too were victims of the aristocrats' propensity for seeking glory in pointless, expensive, and often fruitless wars; and they were victims of the skewed taxes created by the parliaments. And they had, post-Black-Death, just started to have an insight into how they might move up a notch or two.
As a side-issue, I found it very interesting to compare Shakespeare's Richard II and the Richard we observe in Barker's account of this revolt. Shakespeare presents him as a capriciously erratic decision-maker, most notably in dealing with Bolingbroke and Mowbray at the beginning of the play. While Barker's Richard is only a young teenager at the time of the revolt, and has not yet gained independence from the power-elite who have been counselling him, there seems to be an echo of the Shakespearean Richard in his initial agreement with the rebellion leaders, followed by the revocation of his pronouncements.
As much as I have had a basic knowledge of Mediaeval class disparities in things like wealth and material assets, I had not realised that the aristocracy had so completely accumulated all legislative, judicial and civil power into its hands, rendering the serfs utterly impotent. Couple that with many of the nobles' avarice and corruption and it becomes entirely understandable that the persecuted classes rebelled. Although Barker makes the slightly surprising point that it was not so much the peasants who revolted, but the literate, artisanal classes. They too were victims of the aristocrats' propensity for seeking glory in pointless, expensive, and often fruitless wars; and they were victims of the skewed taxes created by the parliaments. And they had, post-Black-Death, just started to have an insight into how they might move up a notch or two.
As a side-issue, I found it very interesting to compare Shakespeare's Richard II and the Richard we observe in Barker's account of this revolt. Shakespeare presents him as a capriciously erratic decision-maker, most notably in dealing with Bolingbroke and Mowbray at the beginning of the play. While Barker's Richard is only a young teenager at the time of the revolt, and has not yet gained independence from the power-elite who have been counselling him, there seems to be an echo of the Shakespearean Richard in his initial agreement with the rebellion leaders, followed by the revocation of his pronouncements.
January 15, 2022
Juliet Barker explores the events of 1381 when violent responses to the imposition of another poll tax challenged the King and the government of England.
In 1381 after the imposition of a new poll tax, violent uprisings took place initially in Kent and Essex, but soon spread to other areas of England. The rebels marched to London where they eventually met King Richard , who promised to accept their demands before the Government gained control, denied the promises made by the king and set out to restore the status quo. Barker challenges the description of the events in 1381 as The Peasants’ Revolt and uses the term The Great Revolt as an alternative description. She is keen to show how the uprisings were not peasant driven, but were in fact undertaken by people of different social levels, and in certain cases involved local dignitaries and officials of the crown.
Barker is an excellent writer and her narrative of the events and her analysis are based on detailed research and depth of knowledge of the period. She explores the main characters associated with the revolt; Wat Tyler, Jack Straw and John Ball and shows how they have an enduring place in social politics.
In 1381 after the imposition of a new poll tax, violent uprisings took place initially in Kent and Essex, but soon spread to other areas of England. The rebels marched to London where they eventually met King Richard , who promised to accept their demands before the Government gained control, denied the promises made by the king and set out to restore the status quo. Barker challenges the description of the events in 1381 as The Peasants’ Revolt and uses the term The Great Revolt as an alternative description. She is keen to show how the uprisings were not peasant driven, but were in fact undertaken by people of different social levels, and in certain cases involved local dignitaries and officials of the crown.
Barker is an excellent writer and her narrative of the events and her analysis are based on detailed research and depth of knowledge of the period. She explores the main characters associated with the revolt; Wat Tyler, Jack Straw and John Ball and shows how they have an enduring place in social politics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2021
A detailed overview of events surrounding the 1381 'uprising' and the peoples and places involved. Taxes and more taxes, political elitists, lies as promises, and more, will leave the reader with enough background research to last a lifetime, so should they choose - obtaining 'original source' documentation as opposed to 'other authors' interpretations. Much speculation remains regarding the whys and why-nots, inference flows like gentle streams across the valleys of historical days long past, and interpretations float like Chinese Junks on a placid lake.
One will also enjoy the bibliography, and each of the appendixes.
-Excerpt:
"The great revolt was over and the inquest had been held, but little would be done to redress the grievances that had inspired it... Corrupt and oppressive royal officials remained in place and even... managed to pass the baton on to the next generation."
-Another work that may be of interest to you:
The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek
One will also enjoy the bibliography, and each of the appendixes.
-Excerpt:
"The great revolt was over and the inquest had been held, but little would be done to redress the grievances that had inspired it... Corrupt and oppressive royal officials remained in place and even... managed to pass the baton on to the next generation."
-Another work that may be of interest to you:
The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek
July 24, 2024
If you're looking for a sweeping story about the Peasants' Revolt, this is not going to be the book for you. Rather, this book is a deep dive into the wealth of surviving documents from this period. The majority of these were court records from the diverse cases brought in the aftermath of the resolution. These are used to cast a critical eye on many of the common narratives surrounding this revolt. Unfortunately, this removes much of the romantic sweep of it. However, it also humanizes the revolt, exploring in detail the injustices that led to the revolt in a way other books do not.
Of the handful of sources I've read on this revolt, this one feels the most genuine, even if it is a bit dry.
Of the handful of sources I've read on this revolt, this one feels the most genuine, even if it is a bit dry.
February 9, 2017
did not realize Wat Tyler and Jack Straw were leaders of 1381 insurrection; thought they came much later in english history (around the english revolution).
not a bad book. gripped you in parts. certainly enlightening with regard the insurrection and its failure; seemingly over in a couple of days in june.
not a bad book. gripped you in parts. certainly enlightening with regard the insurrection and its failure; seemingly over in a couple of days in june.
May 2, 2020
Everything you want to know about Wat Tyler's Rebellion
This is so thorough and wonderfully written. You really get a sense for the character of the people involved. The brutality and tragedy comes through in a way that I haven't seen in other accounts. Barker debunks popular myths and provides penetrating insights
This is so thorough and wonderfully written. You really get a sense for the character of the people involved. The brutality and tragedy comes through in a way that I haven't seen in other accounts. Barker debunks popular myths and provides penetrating insights
September 22, 2018
This book looks at a major revolt in late 14th century England. The author provides information about the background and context of the period, which are very interesting, but I thought the book was a little too detailed for the general reader, who is not an expert in this period.
December 13, 2023
A good book and well researched and written, I personally prefer biographies, and had read a lot about this year and the revolt. There is a LOT of information, sometimes hard at times to keep up. Just an fyi, and not to detract from the book.
January 15, 2026
I really enjoyed the first chapters which described the social conditions in England in the built up to the Great Revolt. As the book progressed I lost interest in all the detail. This book is thorough but unexciting and the writing does not flow fluently.
June 18, 2017
a very easy reading history of an event that is ignored in American schools. doubly interesting because it sets the stage for the Shakespeare histories starting with Richard II.
May 26, 2018
Well written, excellently researched, compelling and very easy to read. A very good book indeed.
August 24, 2019
Extensively researched and detailed but heavy going in places.
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