BattlefieldsNorwich Rising — Peasants Revolt 1381
Medieval

Norwich Rising — Peasants Revolt 1381

1381
Norfolk, England
Also known as: Norwich 1381 Peasants Revolt · Geoffrey Lister Takes Norwich
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Norfolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Norwich authorities
VS
Victor
Rebels (temporarily)
Outcome
Rebels briefly controlled Norwich; later crushed by Bishop Despenser
The Battle

History & Significance

During the Peasants Revolt of 1381, Geoffrey Lister\'s rebels took control of Norwich for several days. They held courts, forced local gentry to serve as their servants, and burned legal records. The city was the second largest in England, making its temporary rebel occupation a major challenge to royal authority. Bishop Henry Despenser of Norwich, a military churchman who had fought in Italy, organised the royalist response and crushed the Norwich rising with notable speed and violence, personally absolving rebels before their execution.

Forces Involved

Rebels: Geoffrey Lister with Norfolk insurgents. City: Norwich authorities and later Bishop Despenser\'s forces

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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