A RADICAL medieval priest who inspired one of England's most famous uprisings may have had deeper links to Essex.
John Ball, executed for his role in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, is the subject of new research revealing extensive activity and support in the county and beyond.
The findings come from the People of 1381 project and will be presented at an Essex Record Office (ERO) event on Saturday, June 13.
Councillor Chris Hossack, councillor responsible for residents and community services at Essex County Council, said: "John Ball was a fascinating character with a significant connection to Essex’s history, and we’re excited to be able to reveal these new findings at the upcoming event at Essex Records Office."
The radical priest spent many years preaching in Essex and East Anglia, often denounced as a heretic by Church authorities.
In 1364 and again in 1366, the Dean of Bocking was ordered to arrest him and present him to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
He remained active across Essex for decades. In 1376, vicars in Panfield, Little Tey, and other parishes were ordered to arrest him.
In April 1381, Archbishop Simon Sudbury issued another denunciation, leading to Ball’s arrest.
He was freed by rebels at the start of the Peasants’ Revolt and he joined the rising.
After the collapse of the revolt, Ball fled towards the Midlands but was captured in Coventry. He was later executed in St Albans.
The research suggests Ball may have originated from Thrandeston near Diss and served as a vicar in Suffolk and Norfolk.
He has been described as the forefather of “hedgerow preachers,” whose direct messages resonated with ordinary people.
Ball was later reimagined as a social visionary, most notably in William Morris’ novel, Dream of John Ball.
The June 13 event is part of the ERO Presents series and will feature speakers Helen Lacey, Andrew Prescott and Herbert Eiden.
They will discuss the fresh research into Ball’s life, as well as the role of clergy in the revolt and why so many joined the cause.
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The People of 1381 project has created a detailed database documenting the events of that year.
Tickets for the ERO Presents event are available at www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/whats-on/events.
The public can also explore the People of 1381 project’s database at www.1381.online.
