Unexpected Essex

Episode 3: Villeins Ye Are…

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Unexpected Essex

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Summary

When people think of the Peasants Revolt, usually, the focus is on the Kentish Rebels. But what about the rebels north of London? Join Eri Berry as she explores how the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt kicked off in Essex, the stories of the key players from this rebellion and the legacy they left behind.

In 1381, widespread anger over unfair tax burdens, economic hardship, and centuries of feudal control sparked the Peasants’ Revolt – one of the most famous popular uprisings in English history. In this episode, Eri traces the origins of the rebellion and explore the pivotal role played by the people of Essex, who fired the very first sparks of revolt and marched alongside Wat Tyler to demand fundamental change from the young King Richard II.

Key Names and Places:

King Richard II, John of Gaunt, Thomas Baker, John Ball, Wat Tyler, Essex, Fobbing, Brentwood, Colchester, London, Tower of London, Canterbury, St. Albans

Transcript

Ep 3 – Villeins Ye AreDownload

Sources and Further Reading

Overview & background:

  • Wikipedia, “Peasants’ Revolt” – used for general background and as a starting point for further reading

Further reading / direct sources:

DISCLAIMER

While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com.

Image Attribution

Episode images:

Image:Description:Source Name:Source URL:Attribution:Licence Type:Date Downloaded:Modified? (Where needed)
01 Reeve and Serfs.jpgMedieval illustration of men harvesting wheat with reaping-hooks or sickles, on a calendar page for August. Queen Mary’s Psalter. Depicts feudalism and socage in Medieval EuropeWikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reeve_and_Serfs.jpganonymous (Queen Mary Master), Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
02 Medieval ploughing woodcut.jpgMedieval ploughing with oxen (from a 14th century manuscript)Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medievalplowingwoodcut.jpgSee page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
03 William the Conqueror Illumination.pngWilliam the Conqueror of England portrayed in the Genealogical Chronicle of the English Kings.Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_the_Conqueror_Illumination.pngAnonymousUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
04 Edward III.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EdwardIII_(1).jpgTheAncientHistorian, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
05 Battle of Crecy – Froissart.jpgBattle of Crécy between the English and French in the Hundred Years’ War.Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_crecy_froissart.jpgLoyset Liédet, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
06 Florence Bubonic Plague 1348.jpgPainting shows Florence as imagined in 1348 under the Black Death, although it was created centuries later. Editor Eri’s note: Yes, I know Florence is in Italy – I’m working with what I can find, it’s the same year after all! 🙂Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Florence_Bubonic_Plague_1348.jpgnot stated, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
07 Two men threshing sheaf – Luttrell Psalter (c.1325-1335).jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two_men_threshing_sheaf_-_Luttrell_Psalter_(c.1325-1335),_f.74v_-_BL_Add_MS_42130_(cropped).jpgBritish Library, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC012/09/2026 
08 Richard II of England.png Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_II_of_England.pngNPG.org.uk, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
09 William Blake depiction of Wat Tyler.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Blake_Wat_Tyler-bw.jpgWilliam Blake, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
10 Fobbing, St Michael.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fobbing,_St_Michael_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7366360.jpgFobbing, St Michael by Dave Kelly, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.012/09/2026 
11 Edward III of England.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edward_III_of_England_(Order_of_the_Garter).jpgWilliam Bruges, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
12 Reeve and Serfs.jpgDuplicate of 01 Reeve and Serfs.jpg – see above for attribution      
13 Knights.jpgOath of fealty to a king by vassals in armour, from a 14th-century medieval manuscript.Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BNF_Fr_4274_8v_knight_detail.jpgBibliothèque nationale de France, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
14 Peasants.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_history_of_medi%C3%A6val_and_modern_Europe_for_secondary_schools_(1920)_(14577759538).jpgInternet Archive Book Images, No restrictions, via Wikimedia CommonsNo Restrictions12/09/2026 
15 Cleric, Knight, and Workman representing the Three Classes.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cleric,_Knight,_and_Workman_representing_the_Three_Classes.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author., Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
16 Angels.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Angels_with_ciole_and_vielle.jpgSee page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
17 Men Feasting.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Late_medieval_boar_head.jpgBarthélémy l’Anglais, Public Domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
18 Medieval Rabbits.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_rabbits_(7).jpgАвтор неизвестен, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
19 Edward III.jpgDuplicate of 04 Edward III.jpg – see above for image attribution      
20 French defeated at Calais.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_French_defeated_before_Calais_by_Edward_III.jpgVirgil Master (illuminator), Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
21 Tour Tanguy in Brest.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tourtanguy042006.jpgS. DÉNIEL, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.512/09/2026No
22 Richard II of England.pngDuplicate of 08 Richard II of England.png – see above for image attribution      
23 John of Gaunt.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Johnofgaunt.jpgSaid variously to be attributed to Lucas Cornelisz de Kock (1495–1552) (who however died 41 years before the painting is said (by Oliver Harris, 2010) to have been commissioned, sometimes erroneously ascribed to Luca Cornelli., Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
24 Domesday Book.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Domesday-book-1804×972.jpgAndrews, William, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
25 Bocking Church.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bocking_church_-_geograph.org.uk_-_7530537.jpgBocking church by Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.012/09/2026 
26 Rochester Castle Keep and Bailey.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rochester_Castle_Keep_and_Bailey_0038stcp.JPGClem Rutter, Rochester, Kent, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY 3.012/09/2026 
27 Maidstone tithe barn.jpg14th Century tithe barn in MaidstoneWikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maidstone._The_tithe_barn_was_built_in_the_14th_century_and_was_subsequently_used_as_the_stables_of_the_nearby_palace_of_the_Archbishop_of_Canterbury.jpgJohn K Thorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
28 William Blake depiction of Wat Tyler.jpgDuplicated from 09 William Blake depiction of Wat Tyler.jpg – see above for attribution      
29 Canterbury Cathedral.jpeg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Canterbury_Cathedral_-_Portal_Nave_Cross-spire.jpegHans Musil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.012/09/2026No
30 Joan of Kent.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joan_of_Kent.jpgBritish Library, Public Domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
31 John Ball encouraging Wat Tyler rebels.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Ball_encouraging_Wat_Tyler_rebels_from_ca_1470_MS_of_Froissart_Chronicles_in_BL.jpgUnknown medieval artist illustrating Froissart’s Chronicles, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
32 William Morris John Ball speech depiction.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William.Morris.John.Ball.trimmed.jpgEdward Burne-Jones, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
33 Tower of London.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Outer_curtain_wall_and_entrance_gate_at_the_Tower_of_London,_with_the_medieval_White_Tower_visible_in_the_background.jpgOleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.012/09/2026No
34 Richard II meets the rebels.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jean_Froissart,_Chroniques,_154v,_12148_btv1b8438605hf336,_crop.jpgJean Froissart, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
35 John of Gaunt.jpgDuplicate of 23 John of Gaunt.jpg – please see above for attribution      
36 Edward III.jpgDuplicate of 04 Edward III – please see above for attribution      
37 Temple Church, Temple – London.jpeg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_Church,_Temple,_London_EC4.jpegJohn Salmon / Temple Church, Temple, London EC4, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.012/09/2026No
38 Savoy Palace.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Savoy_Palace.jpgJames Henry Leigh Hunt, Public Domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
39 Alfred Garth Jones – Peasants Revolt.jpgThe burning of Savoy PalaceWikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alfred_Garth_Jones_Peasants_Revolt.jpgAlfred Garth Jones (1872–1955), FAL, via Wikimedia CommonsFree Art Licence12/09/2026 
40 Richard II of England.pngDuplicate of 08 Richard II of England.png – see above for attribution      
41 Murder of Sudbury and Hales.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:00peasant2.jpgJean Froissart, Crônicas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.012/09/2026No
42 Skull of Simon Sudbury.jpgSt Gregory’s church in Sudbury – Archbishop Simon Sudbury’s skullWikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Gregory%27s_church_in_Sudbury_-_archbishop_Simon%27s_skull_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2094629.jpgSt Gregory’s church in Sudbury – archbishop Simon’s skull by Evelyn Simak, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.012/09/2026No
43 King Henry IV.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Henry_IV_from_NPG_(2).jpgNational Portrait Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
44 Joan of Kent.jpgDuplicate of 30 Joan of Kent.jpg – see above for attribution      
45 John of Gaunt.jpgDuplicate of 23 John of Gaunt.jpg – see above for attribution      
46 Death of Wat Tyler.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DeathWatTylerFull.jpgSee page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
47 Richard II Takes Control of the Rebels.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_II_Takes_Control_of_the_Rebels.jpgJames William Edmund Doyle, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
48 Thomas of Woodstock.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ThomasWoodstock.jpgBritish Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
49 Henry Despenser.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Henry_Despenser.jpgUser:Amitchell125, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain12/09/2026 
50 John Ball Plaque.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Ball_of_Colchester_Priest_A_leader_of_the_Peasants_revolt_executed_at_St_Albans_15th_July_1381.jpgSpudgun67, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC012/09/2026 
51 West Smithfield, Memorial to Wat Tyler and the Peasants’ Revolt.jpg Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:West_Smithfield,_Memorial_to_Wat_Tyler_and_the_Peasants%E2%80%99_Revolt.jpgAndyScott, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsCC012/09/2026 

Intro image attributions:

Image:Source Name:Source URL:Attribution:Licence Type:Date Downloaded:Modified?
Bridge End Gardens Saffron Walden.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/dxR7Ki“Meeting up with Ola, Lisa, and Rex in Saffron Walden” by Tim Regan, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Chelmsford Cathedral.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/7u9rHa“Chelmsford Cathedral” by fourthandfifteen, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Southend Pier With Greenery.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/6Fe3eX“Southend Pier.” by Jim Linwood, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Colchester Castle.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/DqxK3b“Colchester Castle” by William Marnoch, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Mersea Island Beach Huts.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2kYHhzg“Pretty pastel beach huts” by Jerry Clack, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Hobbs Cross Harlow.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2jtpvVB“Hobbs Cross, Harlow” by Sludge G, CC BY-SA 2.0CC BY-SA 2.031/08/2026No
Finchingfield.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/7TWVL6“Finchingfield” by Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Harlow Riverboats Sunset.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2f1Tuvv“Harlow” by Kent Wang, CC BY-SA 2.0CC BY-SA 2.031/08/2026No
St Peter on the Wall.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2pbUhCC“Chapel of St Peter on the Wall” by Tom Bastin, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Swans River Stour.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2jwdsfA“River Stour” by Jason Boldero, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Thaxted Guildhall and Church.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/4qhScp“Thaxted guildhall” by Marco Chiesa, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No
Hedingham Castle.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2m7mEwe“Hedingham Castle – Norman Keep in England” by Steve Knight, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.005/09/2026No
Hatfield Forest Lake.jpgFlickrhttps://flic.kr/p/2cXBELC“Hatfield Forest Lake” by Jason Boldero, CC BY 2.0CC BY 2.031/08/2026No

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