The poll tax (1377)
The poll tax, first used extensively in England in 1377 at 4d per head, was designed to provide a more stable revenue for the crown than taxes on property, land and commodities. The tax was highly unpopular, for everyone paid the same, regardless of their means. The situation was made still worse by exemptions granted to children on the basis that girls were virgins – leading John Legge, serjeant at law, to carry out public examinations.
In 1380 the levy was three times higher than previously, and in East Anglia, where attempts to enforce collection were rigorous, opposition to the tax was fierce. What came to be known as the Peasants' Revolt began in Essex and culminated in Wat Tyler's march on London in 1381. The rebels proclaimed their loyalty to the king, but claimed that they suffered unjust taxation and oppression by royal officials and local law officers. The rebellion was crushed, and Tyler was executed.
Read Full Article »