Gloucester History Festival Special #4 - Beyond the Peasants: The True Faces of the 1381 Revolt with Matt Lewis

History Rage

Welcome back ragers, to another electrifying episode of History Rage, live from the Gloucester History Festival! Today, host Paul Bavill is joined by medieval historian and host of the "Going Medieval" podcast, Matt Lewis. Prepare for an eye-opening discussion as Matt dismantles the long-held myths surrounding the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.

Rethinking the Peasants' Revolt: Matt Lewis sets the record straight, exposing the misleading term "Peasants' Revolt" and revealing the diverse social classes involved in this historic uprising.

• Understanding the mediaeval definition of a peasant and why it's a misnomer for this revolt.
• The role of free and unfree people, and the different classes that participated in the revolt.

The True Nature of the Revolt:

• How the revolt was a targeted effort to destroy legal records and end serfdom.
• The significant involvement of minor gentry, countryside landowners, and skilled tradesmen.
• The strategic and militarised organisation of the revolt, influenced by the Hundred Years War.

Legacy and Misconceptions:

• The impact of the revolt and how close it came to achieving seismic social and political change.
• The government's effort to paint the revolt as a mindless mob and the subsequent harsh retribution.
• How the revolt's true objectives and near-success have been obscured by history.

Guest Information:

• Matt Lewis's book: "The History Hit Guide to Mediaeval England"
• Catch Matt's talk or get a digital pass from the Gloucester History Festival: www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.

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