BattlefieldsPeasants' Revolt — Suppression at St Albans
Medieval

Peasants' Revolt — Suppression at St Albans

1381
Hertfordshire, England
Also known as: St Albans revolt 1381 · St Albans Peasants' Revolt
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hertfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebels (William Grindcobbe)
Forces
Rebels: c.1,000–2,000.
VS
Victor
Royalists (eventually)
Forces
Royalists: c.400–800
Outcome
Revolt suppressed; Grindcobbe executed; ancient charters burned and recovered
The Battle

History & Significance

St Albans had its own dramatic Peasants' Revolt episode — the townspeople forced the Abbot to produce ancient charters giving the town rights the monastery had suppressed. They then made the monks eat from clay pots. William Grindcobbe, who led the town revolt, was executed after the suppression. "I would rather die than survive that freedom which I have won for you," he reportedly said before his execution.

Questions & Answers

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