12
Articles of the Peasant Revolt of 1525
The Peasants appealed to Scripture to justify their
revolt, and vowed that they would withdraw their demands if they were proved to
be contrary to the word of God. They demanded:
- The
right to choose and depose their own pastors
- That
the grain tithe be used for the remuneration of the pastor and relief of the
poor, in as much as it is commanded in Scripture, and that that tithe on
cattle, an invention of man, be withdrawn.
- Release
from serfdom, inasmuch as men are free as Christians.
- The
privilege of hunting and fishing on those lands that do not rightfully
belong to overlords.
- Communal
ownership of forests so that poor people may gather firewood and have access
to lumber.
- Relief
from excessive services demanded of peasants.
- Payment
for services not previously agreed upon by the lords and peasants.
- Redress
of excessive rents so that peasants may reap a return from their labors.
- Judgment
according to the old laws, not according to laws recently imposed.
- The
return of communal meadows and fields to the community, with reimbursement
to those who may have purchased such lands.
- The
abolition of the Todfall or death tax (heriot) which places unwarranted
burden on widows and orphans.
- The
right in the future to present or withdraw demands in accordance with the
Scriptures.
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