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When Was The Peasants' Revolt?

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    Largely as a result of the labour shortages following the plague or Black Death, workers in the mid-14th century began to demand better conditions and more freedom. In at attempt to regain control, a Statute of Labourers was passed in 1851, making it illegal to ask for, to offer, wages above the level decreed by the local Justices of the Peace. It was also illegal to leave your home village in search of higher wages – this law had existed for almost 200 years, but was now rigidly enforced, with branding as a punishment.
    In addition, taxes grew heavier, partly because there were now fewer people to pay them. Most hated of all was the "poll tax" which all adults were forced to pay.
    These and other injustices led to a growing fury against the government, the king, and an often wealthy and corrupt church. Over the next 30 years anti-clerical and anti-establishment movements flourished, culminating in a march on London led by Walter or Wat Tyler in June 1381. The riots lasted for days; during them, several prominent rebels were released from prison, the Archbishop of Canterbury beheaded and several key institutions attacked.
    Eventually on June 15 the protesters were met by the young king, Richard II, who offered to lead them, calmed the riots and then beheaded the ringleaders.
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