John Ball (priest)

Quick Facts: Who was John Ball (priest)?

Subject:

John Ball (priest)

Known for:

English priest central to the Peasants' Revolt, known for radical sermons on social equality.

Born:

1338

Died:

1381-07-15

Century / Era:

1338s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

John Ball (c. 1338 – 15 July 1381) was an English priest who took a prominent part in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Although he is often associated with John Wycliffe and the Lollard movement, Ball was actively preaching "articles contrary to the faith of the church" at least a decade before Wycliffe started attracting attention. It is possible that John Ball was the son of William and Joan Ball of Peldon near Colchester. He was born c. 1338 and it has been suggested that his name is first mentioned in the Colchester Court Rolls of 30 January 1352, when, on coming of age in 1350, he acknowledged the tenancy of a tenement between East and West Stockwell Street in the town. Whether this is the John Ball from the Peasants' Revolt is not clear and others see this among the "speculative attempts" at reconstructing Ball's early life.

Career & Major Achievements

Ball trained as a priest in York and referred to himself, according to Thomas Walsingham, as "Seynte Marie priest of York". He later moved to Norwich and to Colchester. At that time, England was exhausted by death on a massive scale and crippling taxes. The Black Death in England was followed by years of war, which had to be paid for. The population was nearly halved by disease, and overworked, and onerous flat-rate poll taxes were imposed.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His utterances brought him into conflict with Simon of Sudbury, Archbishop of Canterbury, and he was thrown in prison on several occasions. He also appears to have been excommunicated; owing to which, in 1366 it was forbidden for anyone to hear him preach. These measures, however, did not moderate his opinions, nor diminish his popularity, and he took to speaking to parishioners in churchyards after official services. Ball was imprisoned in Maidstone, Kent, at the time of the 1381 Revolt. What is recorded of his adult life comes from hostile sources emanating from the religious and political social order.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1338: Birth of John Ball (priest) — English priest central to the Peasants' Revolt, known for radical sermons on social equality.
2. 1366: 1366 Milestone — He also appears to have been excommunicated; owing to which, in 1366 it was forbidden for anyone to hear him preach.
3. 1381 (1381-07-15): Passing & Historical Legacy — John Ball (priest) passed away on 1381-07-15, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by John Ball (priest)

“When Adam delved and Eve span, Who was then the gentleman?”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: John Ball (priest)

True or False: “John Ball's famous line, 'When Adam delved and Eve span,' is directly quoted in Shakespeare's Hamlet.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The quote appears in Act V Scene 1 of Hamlet, but the Gravedigger discusses it with a reversed sense: that in Adam's time there were none but gentlemen.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Charles V of France — Contemporary (Born in 1338) (1338): King of France, known as 'the Wise,' who stabilized the kingdom during the Hundred Years' War.
• Emperor Go-Kōgon — Contemporary (Born in 1338) (1338): Northern Emperor during the tumultuous Northern and Southern Courts period in Japan.
• Erik of Pomerania — Contemporary (Born in 1381) (1381): King of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, ruling over the Kalmar Union.
• Wat Tyler — Contemporary (Died in 1381) (1381): Leader of the 1381 English Peasants' Revolt, demanding sweeping social and economic reforms.
• Akhtar Hameed Khan — Shared historical date (07-15 · Born) (1914): Pioneering Pakistani social scientist and development practitioner.
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• Annibale Carracci — Shared historical date (07-15 · Died) (1609): Pioneering Bolognese Baroque painter, founder of a classical style in Rome.
• Anton Chekhov — Shared historical date (07-15 · Died) (1904): Master of Russian literature, celebrated for poignant realism and subtle drama.
• 1338 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1338
• 1381 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1381
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Frequently Asked Questions about John Ball (priest)