Wat Tyler - tragic leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt
Walter 'Wat' Tyler was a leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England, also known as The Great Rising. He marched a group of rebels from Canterbury to London to oppose the institution of a poll tax, and to demand economic and social reforms. Although the brief rebellion enjoyed early success, Tyler was killed by officers loyal to King Richard II during negotiations at Smithfield, London.
Little is known of Wat Tyler's early life. Most historians agree that he was born around 1341, probably in Kent or Essex. It is thought that his name 'Tyler' comes from his occupation as a roof tiler.
The Peasants' Revolt began in May 1381, triggered by a recently imposed poll tax of 4 pence from every adult. This tax had to be paid by everyone over the age of 15 no matter how much money they earned. In March 1381, the government demanded the third Poll Tax in four years. When people avoided paying this, Parliament appointed commissioners to make them pay.
The peasants also demanded that each labourer be allowed to work for the employer of his choice, and sought an end to serfdom. Uprisings broke out across England, with much of the unrest focused on Essex and Kent. Most peasants involved were inspired by radical priest John Ball, who preached that all humans should be treated equally, as descendants of Adam and Eve.
By June 1381, when a co-ordinated assault on London was underway, Wat Tyler had emerged as a leader of the Kentish forces. The rebels crossed London Bridge, and attacked civil targets, destroyed legal records, opened prisons, ransacked homes, and murdered individuals they thought to be associated with the King's Government. This was before the existence of any representative parliament.
In an attempt to prevent further trouble, Richard II agreed to meet Wat Tyler at Mile End. The king gave into all of the peasants' demands, and asked that they go home in peace. Satisfied with the outcome – a promised end to serfdom and feudalism – many did start the journey home.
However, whilst this meeting was taking place, some of the rebels murdered the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Royal Treasurer. With his armies spread throughout France, Scotland and Wales, Richard II spent the night in hiding, fearing for his life. The king met Wat Tyler again the next day, at Smithfield. At this tense meeting the Lord Mayor, apparently angered by Wat Tyler’s arrogant attitude to the king, and his even more radical demands, drew his dagger and slashed at Tyler.
Tyler managed to ride thirty yards before he fell from his horse. He was taken to a hospital for the poor, but was tracked down by the mayor, brought back to Smithfield and publicly decapitated. Tyler's head was placed atop a pole and carried through the city, then displayed on London Bridge.
In the wake of their leader's death, Tyler's followers were driven from London and the movement was shattered. Subsequently, Richard II revoked all the concessions he had made to the rebels. Many were hunted down and executed, which effectively ended the Uprising.
There is a memorial to the Revolt on the walls of St Bart's Hospital in Smithfield near where Tyler fell, commissioned by local resident Matthew Bell from sculptor Emily Huffnung, which was unveiled by film-maker Ken Loach on 15 July 2015. Our picture depicts Tyler in discussion with the king about to be stabbed by the Lord Mayor.
Further reading
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