History has largely overlooked the rebel women of 1381, despite their significant role in the Peasants’ Revolt.
During a time when women had limited legal rights, they faced less accountability than men under the law.
Courts had little motivation to hold women accountable, as the legal system primarily targeted men, making it easier for their contributions to fade into obscurity.
Andrew Garfield’s film, ‘The Uprising’, sheds new light on this pivotal moment in history, focusing on the Peasants’ Revolt and the male leaders like Wat Tyler and John Ball.
However, it’s essential to remember the female leaders who contributed to the rebellion but historians have largely written them out of historical narratives.
What the Black Death unexpectedly liberated women from?
The late 14th-century England, dealing with the aftermath of the Black Death, saw a significant reduction in the workforce, which inadvertently empowered women to enter various roles.
Philippa Gregory, the historical novelist highlights that as economic conditions shifted, women found unprecedented opportunities, thus becoming motivated to resist authority alongside their male counterparts.
In what way did the Peasants’ Revolt get catalyzed?
The catalyst for the Peasants’ Revolt was the introduction of a flat-rate poll tax, infuriating both men and women.
This discontent culminated in protests led by figures like Johanna Ferrour, who stormed the Tower of London and executed key government officials, Simon Sudbury and Robert Hales, seen as primary enforcers of the unpopular tax. Despite these brutal actions, the authorities never convicted Ferrour.
Rarely do well-behaved women make history…
Other women, such as Katherine Gamen, played vital roles in the revolt. Gamen thwarted the escape of Chief Justice John Cavendish, showcasing the fierce determination of women during this turbulent period.
In Cambridge, Margery Starre symbolically destroyed legal documents, proclaiming, “Away with the learning of clerks, away with it!” These acts exemplified the rebellion’s profound impact on society, revealing how women navigated and influenced the tumultuous landscape of 1381, often at great risk to themselves.
Though people celebrate figures like Wat Tyler, they often forget the contributions of these women.
The Uprising serves as a reminder to recognize and honor the roles these women played in shaping historical events.