ABSTRACT
The rising of 1381 might have been expected to allay political rivalries under a common fear, but suspicion and distrust were still prevalent. Division was equally noticeable on the question of England's sad heritage of war. Enemies appeared on every side. For a year the Lords Appellant ruled the country in the name of the King without marked success or failure. They signalised their accession to power by strengthening the repressive clauses of the Statute of Labourers. In matters of foreign policy the Appellants were no more successful. The rule of the Appellants was totally unremarkable, and none were found to grieve when the King quietly asserted his authority. Every one was pleased, and the Appellants, unable to complain, thought it wise to seek a full reconciliation with the King and his new Council. As a crowning act of disinterested patriotism the Appellants allocated to themselves a sum of £20,000 for their exertions.
