Scarborough History : Scene of the Townsmen's Revolt 1366 - 1466

Certainly some of the burgesses made the times an opportunity for their particular skills. Wealthy townsmen like Robert Acclom and Robert de Rillington took to piracy with no small success. On one occasion, twelve German cogges, on another a Hamburg vessel laden with linen cloth and wainscots, and on yet another, a Stralsund ship, taken by Thomas Sage's three great fisher ships from Scarborough, and sold off at Newcastle, contributed to pirate hauls. That some of those most notable in piracy were the first to be attacked by the 500 rebels who at Scarborough took part in the Peasant's Revolt was no accident.

The first rumours of revolts in the south of England swept Scarborough in the fourth week of June 1381. Groups of men gathered about the town and in secret swore oaths to 'the Commons of England'. They gathered weapons and prepared uniforms with white hoods and red tails. Some were concerned with wider issues, but for most of the rebels it was an opportunity to attack the governors of the town, seeming to bring no general benefit, but whose obvious personal wealth was unhindered by the straightened circumstances of others and the outright poverty of many.

The bailiffs were disposed and replaced, and John Stockwith, a poll-tax collector was dragged from his house, robbed and put under lock and key. Bailiff Robert Acclom fled to sanctuary at the Friars Minor's cloisters and others gathered in St. Mary's churchyard. Some were taken prisoner and forced to swear obedience to the Commons or to sign ransom notes.

By the end of June the town was quieting down and the official inquiries took place. The two wealthy men who had led the poorer burgesses in the revolt paid fines, but so did their opponents. The wealthiest burgesses of the town were charged 500 marks and the rest of the commonalty another 400. Peace reigned once again.