John Wrawe facts for kids

John Wrawe was a leader during the Peasants' Revolt in England. This big uprising happened in 1381. Wrawe was a former chaplain, which is a type of priest. He played a key role in spreading the revolt across eastern England. Sadly, he was executed in 1382.

John Wrawe and the Peasants' Revolt

The Peasants' Revolt began in June 1381. John Wrawe, a former chaplain, started marching north. He left Essex and headed towards Suffolk. His goal was to start a rebellion there.

Spreading the Revolt

Wrawe had a lot of influence over the revolt. He helped it grow across eastern England. Many people joined the rebels in these areas. The number of rebels here was almost as large as those in London.

The local leaders did not stop the revolt easily. Important nobles failed to organize defenses. Strong castles and towns fell quickly to the rebels. Local armies were not called to fight. This happened partly because military leaders were away. Also, English law was complex. Many local men might not have wanted to fight against the uprising.

The Uprising in Suffolk

On June 12, Wrawe's group attacked a property in Overhall. The next day, they moved to Cavendish and Bury St Edmunds. They gained more supporters as they went.

The prior (a leader) of Bury St Edmunds Abbey, John Cambridge, was not liked. Wrawe teamed up with the townspeople. They stormed the abbey. The prior tried to escape but was caught. He was put to death two days later.

A small group of rebels went north to Thetford. They demanded money from the town. Another group searched for Sir John Cavendish. He was a very important judge. Cavendish was found in Lakenheath and executed.

Revolt in Cambridge

On June 15, the revolt spread to Cambridgeshire. Some of Wrawe's Suffolk rebels led this new uprising. Local men also joined, like John Greyston. He had been in London and returned home to spread the revolt.

The University of Cambridge was disliked by many townspeople. It had special royal privileges. A revolt started in Cambridge, targeting the university. The Mayor of Cambridge even supported the rebels.

The rebels attacked Corpus Christi College. This college had ties to John of Gaunt, a powerful duke. They also ransacked the University's church. They tried to execute a university official, but he escaped. The university's library and old records were burned.

The next day, the university had to agree to new rules. They lost their special royal privileges. The revolt then moved north to Ely. There, the prison was opened. A local judge was executed.

The End of the Revolt

As the revolt was stopped, John Wrawe was captured. He was put on trial in London. He likely told the authorities about 24 of his friends. He hoped this would earn him a pardon. However, he was sentenced to death. He was executed on May 6, 1382.