John Brampton

John Brampton or Bampton[1] was the Archdeacon of Lewes from 1395 to 1419. His attempt to collect poll taxes in Essex on 30 May 1381 was the final trigger for the Peasants' Revolt.[2]

The revolt of 1381 broke out in Essex, following the arrival of Bampton to investigate non-payment of the poll tax on 30 May.[3] Bampton was a member of Parliament, a Justice of the Peace and well-connected with royal circles.[3] He based himself in Brentwood and summoned representatives from the neighbouring villages of Corringham, Fobbing and Stanford-le-Hope to explain and make good the shortfalls on 1 June.[3] The villagers appear to have arrived well-organised, and armed with old bows and sticks.[4] Bampton first interrogated the people of Fobbing, whose representative, Thomas Baker, declared that his village had already paid their taxes, and that no more money would be forthcoming.[4] When Bampton and two sergeants attempted to arrest Baker, violence broke out.[3] Bampton escaped and retreated to London, but three of his clerks and several of the Brentwood townsfolk who had agreed to act as jurors were killed.[5] The violent confrontations spread rapidly across the south-east of the country, culminating in a march on London which was suppressed in mid-June. The revolt was effectively ended at the Battle of North Walsham on 25 or 26 June and by November, the unrest had ended, with most of the leaders tracked down and executed.