Books
5 Best Novels About the Peasants’ Revolt
Bestselling authors first, then star rating.
Phase
Peasants’ Revolt
1381 CE
The Peasants’ Revolt broke out in 1381 after tensions over poll taxes, labour controls, and post-plague social change. Rebels from Kent and Essex marched on London, where leaders such as Wat Tyler confronted royal authority. The revolt was suppressed, but it revealed deep resentment toward lordship and government.
The revolt matters because it shows late medieval society under strain from taxation, labour shortages, and inequality. It also challenged assumptions about obedience, status, and royal protection. Although immediate reforms were limited, the uprising remained a powerful memory of popular resistance.
Historical fiction about late medieval England often uses the Peasants’ Revolt to bring ordinary villagers, artisans, priests, and officials into political drama. It fits beside novels influenced by Chaucer’s world, medieval mystery series, and books about post-plague society. The revolt suits stories about class anger, radical preaching, London crowds, and the danger of speaking against power.
Related people for Peasants’ Revolt
Blanche of Lancaster1342–1368 Edward III of England1312–1377 Geoffrey Chaucer1343–1400 Henry Beaufort1375–1447 Henry IV of England1367–1413 Joan Beaufort, Countess of Westmorland1379–1440 John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset1373–1410 John of Gaunt1340–1399 Katherine Swynford1350–1403 Philippa Roet1346–1387 Richard II1367–c. 1400 Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter1377–1426
Non Fiction
1 Non-Fiction Book About the Peasants’ Revolt
Histories, biographies and reference works are listed separately from the historical novels above.