John Ball (priest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Ball
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Medieval drawing of John Ball giving hope to Wat Tyler's rebels
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| Born | c. 1338 |
| Died | 15 July 1381 (aged 42/43) St Albans, Kingdom of England
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| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Priest |
| Known for | Peasants' Revolt |
John Ball (born around 1338 – died July 15, 1381) was an English priest. He played a very important role in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Even though some people connect him with John Wycliffe and the Lollard movement, John Ball was already sharing ideas that went against the church's teachings many years before Wycliffe became well-known.
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John Ball's Early Life and Training
John Ball was born around 1338. He may have been the son of William and Joan Ball from Peldon, near Colchester. He trained to be a priest in York. He even called himself "Seynte Marie priest of York." Later, he moved to Norwich and then to Colchester.
England in the 1300s: A Difficult Time
During John Ball's life, England faced many problems. The terrible Black Death had killed a huge number of people. This disease nearly cut the population in half. After the plague, years of war followed, known as the Hundred Years' War. These wars were very expensive.
To pay for the wars, the government created new taxes. One unfair tax was the poll tax. This tax made everyone pay the same amount, no matter how rich or poor they were. Many people were overworked and struggled to survive.
John Ball's Preaching and Ideas
John Ball became famous as a traveling preacher. He did not belong to a specific church parish. He spoke about the ideas of John Wycliffe. Most importantly, he strongly believed in social equality. This meant he thought everyone should be treated equally, no matter their social class.
Ball gave powerful speeches in many towns and villages. These included places like Ashen, Billericay, Bocking, and Braintree. His radical ideas often caused trouble.
Conflict with Church Leaders
John Ball's speeches went against the official church teachings. Because of this, he often clashed with powerful church leaders. Simon of Sudbury, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, had him put in prison several times.
Ball was also excommunicated. This meant he was officially kicked out of the church. In 1366, it was forbidden for anyone to listen to him preach. However, these actions did not stop him. His ideas remained popular. He continued to speak to people in churchyards after regular services.
John Ball and the Peasants' Revolt
In 1381, the Peasants' Revolt began. This was a major uprising by common people against the government and unfair taxes. When the revolt started, rebels in Kent freed John Ball from prison in Maidstone.
After his release, John Ball preached to a large crowd of rebels at Blackheath. He encouraged them and shared his ideas about equality. His words helped inspire the rebels.
Capture and Execution
After the revolt ended and the rebels scattered, John Ball was captured. He was taken prisoner in Coventry. Unlike many others, he was allowed to speak during his trial.
John Ball was executed on July 15, 1381. This happened in St Albans, and King Richard II was there to witness it.
See also
In Spanish: John Ball (sacerdote) para niños
- John Ball Primary School, Blackheath
