The 14th Century is often called the worst century in the whole of British history - plague, war and famine! And amidst all this chaos, the first recorded act of public rebellion in English history sent revolutionary ripples across the entire medieval world. This uprising is remembered as the “Peasants Revolt” of 1381, but now History Hit’s medieval expert, Matt Lewis, looks beyond the ancient propaganda in this new 3-part series which reveals the previously unknown stories of the ordinary folk of the Peasants' Revolt. Matt and the History Hit team have been working closely with investigative historians from the groundbreaking 1381 Project, The People of 1381 who have found documents that highlight the revolt as the first popular manifesto for a better society.

Part one explores the beginnings and reasons behind the rise of the rebels, why did these so-called peasants revolt? And what is a medieval peasant? We investigate the explosive days leading up to the violent attack on London on the 13th June 1381. Matt meets top medieval historians, such as his co-host of “Gone Medieval”, Eleanor Janega, and Richard II biographer, Helen Castor. Along with members of the 1381 Project team, Adrian Bell and Helen Lacey, and medieval weapons expert Lee Warden.

These films reveal that this extraordinary rebellion lit the flames of revolutionary change stretching across the whole of England and beyond, reverberating far past those hot summer days of 1381.

Part two will be coming in mid-February.
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Find out more about the amazing People of 1381 project: https://www.1381.online/

Fancy going to some of the locations featured in this film?

Cosmeston Medieval Village: https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/enjoying/Coast-and-Countryside/cosmeston-lakes-country-park/cosmeston-medieval-village/Cosmeston-Medieval-Village.aspx

The National Archives: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

Rochester Castle: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rochester-castle/