Collapse of Peasant Revolt led by Wat Tyler

Historical Context Note

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.02: English Writing and Culture: High and Late Medieval, 1066-1485.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Rory Critten (Université de Lausanne), David Fuller (University of Durham), Natalie Hanna (University of Liverpool), Hugh Magennis (Queen's University Belfast), Jamie McKinstry (University of Durham), Sarah Peverley (University of Liverpool), Sebastian Sobecki (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)

Domains

Riots and violent protests

Dates

Date of occurrence 1381

Places

England (Location)

Resources

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The most serious and widespread rebellion in medieval England, the Peasants' Revolt was sparked off in June 1381 in the Essex villages of Fobbing and Brentwood, quickly gathering rebels from Essex and Kent. They were led by Wat Tyler, about whom little is known, although the rebels were also inspired by Lollard sentiment: the Wycliffite preacher John Ball preached an egalitarian sermon to the collected rebels at Blackheath before they marched on London. They successfully stormed the Tower of London, and burnt the Savoy Palace to the ground. King Richard II initially responded favourably to the rebels' demands, which included the abolition of serfdom. The following day (15th June), however, when Wat Tyler rode up to meet with the King at Smithfield, confrontation ensued, and Tyler was…

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