Historical person
John Ball
c. 1338–1381
John Ball was an English priest known for radical preaching against social inequality and ecclesiastical privilege. Repeatedly disciplined and imprisoned by church authorities, he attracted followers among communities already resentful of labour restrictions and manorial obligations.
During the revolt of 1381 Ball was released from prison and preached to the rebels, becoming associated with demands for an end to serfdom and inherited hierarchy. After the uprising collapsed he was captured, tried and executed at St Albans.
In Juliet Barker’s England, Arise, the uprising brought thousands of rebels to London under leaders including Wat Tyler and the radical priest John Ball, confronting the fourteen-year-old Richard II and demanding the abolition of serfdom and sweeping political change. Dan Jones’ Summer of Blood follows Wat Tyler, John Ball and their supporters as they attacked symbols of lordship, law and royal administration, while the young Richard II tried to contain the crisis.
Non Fiction
Non Fiction featuring John Ball (2 books)
Biographies, histories and other non-fiction are listed separately from the historical novels above.
