Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "English History"

part local demagogues, the creatures of the moment, there were among

them a few fanatics like the "mad priest of Kent," John Ball, who had long preached socialist doctrines from the old text:

"When Adam delved and Eve span Who was then the gentleman?"

and clamoured for the abolition of all differences of rank, status and property. Though many clerics ...