 Another factor in the revolt of 1381 was the conduct of the war with France . In 1337 Edward III of England had pressed his claims to the French throne , beginning a long @-@ running conflict that became known as the Hundred Years ' War . Edward had initial successes , but his campaigns were not decisive . Charles V of France became more active in the conflict after 1369 , taking advantage of his country 's greater economic strength to commence cross @-@ Channel raids on England . By the 1370s , England 's armies on the continent were under huge military and financial pressure ; the garrisons in Calais and Brest alone , for example , were costing £ 36 @,@ 000 a year to maintain , while military expeditions could consume £ 50 @,@ 000 in only six months . Edward died in 1377 , leaving the throne to his grandson , Richard II , then only ten years old . 
