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MAY 2021

Who were the rebels of 1381? Though the uprising is popularly known as the Peasants’ Revolt, historians have long been aware that it encompassed a broader swathe of the population than just rural labourers. Now, a new research project has revealed that a sizeable proportion of the rebels had a military background. In their cover feature, on page 20, the project team consider how their evidence should change our understanding of one of the defining events of England’s medieval history.

One of the defining events of recent years has been Britain’s departure from the European Union, and plans have long been afoot to mark the occasion with a Festival of Brexit. What this will entail remains somewhat unclear, but the organisers might well take inspiration from another great national celebration: the 1951 Festival of Britain.

As we reach the 70th anniversary of an event that attracted millions of visitors from across the country, Harriet Atkinson explains how the roots of this patriotic extravaganza were far more international than we might expect. You’ll find that on page 50.

It’s now been more than a year since Britain went into lockdown and we started producing the magazine from our homes. It’s been a challenging time in lots of ways – as

I’m sure it has for many of you – but we’ve been greatly encouraged by our loyal, enthusiastic and hugely knowledgeable readership. Thanks for all your support and correspondence over the past year. Better times ahead!