 The discontent began to give way to open protest . In 1377 , the " Great Rumour " occurred in south @-@ east and south @-@ west England . Rural workers organised themselves and refused to work for their lords , arguing that , according to the Domesday Book , they were exempted from such requests . The workers made unsuccessful appeals to the law courts and the King . There were also widespread urban tensions , particularly in London , where John of Gaunt narrowly escaped being lynched . The troubles increased again in 1380 , with protests and disturbances across northern England and in the western towns of Shrewsbury and Bridgwater . An uprising occurred in York , during which John de Gisborne , the city 's mayor , was removed from office , and fresh tax riots followed in early 1381 . There was a great storm in England during May 1381 , which many felt to prophesy future change and upheaval , adding further to the disturbed mood . 
