This week, Andrew Garfield will take centre stage as a grieving farmer known as ‘The Ploughman’ - the protagonist in Paul Greengrass’ most recent historical film inspired by the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381.

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Last month also saw the release of AK Blakemore’s new novel, Doom Painting, which follows the rebellion of the commons against exploitative landowners and the aristocratic class who sought to oppress their freedoms.

The launch of both works comes at a hugely significant time when many facets of the Peasant’s Revolt mirror our own contemporary situation. The 1381 revolt emerged in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic as the Black Death swept through Europe, killing millions. England was stuck in near-continuous warfare with France, which drove up the tax burden, while extreme weather damaged crops and caused widespread flooding around........

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