1381 facts for kids

The year 1381 was a time of big changes and important events, especially in England. One of the most famous events was the Peasants' Revolt, where ordinary people stood up for their rights. This year also saw shifts in power in places like Lithuania, Naples, and Tibet. It was a busy year across Europe and Asia!

Major Events of 1381

The Peasants' Revolt in England

The Peasants' Revolt was a huge uprising by common people in England. They were unhappy with high taxes and unfair rules.

Rebels Gather and March

• On June 12, rebels from areas like Kent and Essex gathered at Blackheath. They were led by brave men named Wat Tyler and Jack Straw.
• A priest named John Ball gave them a strong speech. He encouraged them to fight for freedom and fairness.

Storming London and Royal Promises

• On June 14, the rebels marched into London. They destroyed the Savoy Palace, a grand home belonging to a powerful duke named John of Gaunt.
• They also stormed the Tower of London. Sadly, they killed important officials there, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Chancellor.
• King Richard II of England met with the rebel leaders. He agreed to some of their demands. These included fairer rents and ending serfdom. Serfdom was a system where peasants were tied to the land and had to work for their lord.

The Revolt Ends

• On June 15, during more talks, Wat Tyler was killed by the King's guards.
• After this, the King's army overpowered the rebels. The other rebel leaders were caught and executed.
• King Richard II then took back all the promises he had made.
• This important revolt was written about in books like Vox Clamantis by John Gower and Froissart's Chronicles.

Other Important Events Around the World

Changes in Lithuania

• Kęstutis took over as the Grand Duke of Lithuania. He replaced his nephew, Jogaila.
• Jogaila was still allowed to rule eastern Lithuania.

Power Struggles in Naples

• Pope Urban VI gave the kingdom of Naples to Charles of Durazzo. This happened because Joan I of Naples supported a different pope, Antipope Clement VII.
• With help from the Hungarians, Charles attacked Naples and captured Joan.
• After Joan was imprisoned, James of Baux claimed the Principality of Achaea. He was already the ruler of Taranto and the Latin Empire.

New Rulers in Asia

• In Tibet, Sonam Drakpa became the new ruler. He replaced Drakpa Changchub.
• Hajji I became the new Mamluk Sultan of Egypt. However, a rebel leader named Berkuk still controlled the government.
• Timur conquered eastern Persia. This ended the rule of the Sarbadar Dynasty there.

Naval Victory for Venice

• After a three-year conflict, Venice won the War of Chioggia against Genoa.
• This naval battle greatly weakened Genoa for a long time.

People Born in 1381

• May 9 – Johann Schiltberger, a German traveler and writer.
• October 13 – Thomas FitzAlan, an English politician.
• John I, Duke of Bourbon, a French duke.
• Saint Rita of Cascia, an Italian saint.

People Who Died in 1381

• March 24 – Catherine of Sweden, a Swedish saint.
• May 15 – Eppelein von Gailingen, a German robber baron.
• June 14 – Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
• June 15 – John Cavendish, the Lord Chief Justice of England.
• June 15 – Wat Tyler, the English rebel leader.
• July 15 – John Ball, the priest who encouraged the rebels.
• December 2 – John of Ruysbroeck, a Flemish mystic.
• December 27 – Edmund de Mortimer, 3rd Earl of March, an English politician.

Error: no page names specified (help). In Spanish: 1381 para niños