This is History: A Dynasty to Die For Season 7 | 3. Summer of Blood
May 13, 2025
Dive into the tumultuous summer of 1381 as thousands march on London, armed with a 'kill list' targeting corrupt officials. Young King Richard II faces a crisis, and despite his advisors' panic, he bravely engages with the rebels. Tension builds during a crucial confrontation at Blackheath, complicating his path forward. As chaos erupts in London, the rebellion's fury leads to destruction, capturing the intense struggle between authority and the people's demand for justice. Experience the lives transformed by this riveting uprising!
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Richard II's Central Role in Revolt
- The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was driven by widespread resentment of corrupt royal officials and a harsh poll tax.
- Young King Richard II, though only 14, became the reluctant but pivotal figure amidst this social upheaval.
John Ball's Radical Sermon
- Wat Tyler led the rebels with intelligence and strategy but also had a fiery northern priest, John Ball, preaching radical social equality.
- John Ball's sermon questioned the naturalness of lordship by asking who was gentleman when Adam and Eve first labored, inspiring the revolt.
Failed Parley Sparks London Riots
- Turning the royal barge away without negotiating enraged the rebels and triggered violent incursions into London.
- Rebel sympathizers inside the city facilitated their entry, exposing London's vulnerability despite its defenses.
