Wat Tyler's Death

Walter Tyler, commonly known as Wat Tyler (January 4, 1341 – June 15, 1381) was the leader of the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Image File history File links DeathWatTyler. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events The Queens College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford, is founded. ... is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1381 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... The end of the revolt: Wat Tyler killed by Walworth while Richard II watches, and a second image of Richard addressing the crowd The Peasants Revolt, Tyler’s Rebellion, or the Great Rising of 1381 was one of a number of popular revolts in late medieval Europe and is a... Year 1381 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ...

Early life

Knowledge of Tyler's early life is very limited, and derives mostly through the records of his enemies. Historians believe he was born in Essex, but are not sure why he crossed the Thames Estuary to Kent, from whence he led the revolt. For other meanings of Essex, see Essex (disambiguation). ... The Thames Estuary is a large estuary where the River Thames flows into the North Sea. ... For other uses, see Kent (disambiguation). ...

From Life and Adventures of Wat Tyler, the Brave and Good, published in 1851, historians have reconstructed his youth, prior to his appearance as a historical figure. The reconstruction is based solely on speculation and assumptions, as minimal primary documentation exists relating to Tyler outside the rebellion. For instance, one story states that, with the help of fellow-villagers, Tyler routed out a nest of robbers which had plagued his neighbourhood. Following a failed romance, Tyler joined the English army which was then preparing to leave for France. He was present at the Battle of Crécy where Edward appointed him to assist the famous Black Prince. He was cited for his bravery in the Battle of Poitiers and a number of naval engagements with Spain and France. Tyler returned to Broxley, married, and became the village smith. He settled down with the intention of spending the remainder of his life in an undistinguished fashion. 1851 (MDCCCLI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Crécy redirects here. ... Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, KG (15 June 1330 – 8 June 1376), popularly known as the Black Prince, was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault, and father to King Richard II of England. ... Combatants Kingdom of England Gascony France Commanders Edward, the Black Prince Captal de Buch John II of France Strength 9,000 12,000 Casualties Minimal 2,500 killed or wounded The Battle of Poitiers was fought between the Kingdom of England and France on September 19, 1356, resulting in the... A smith, or metalsmith, is a person involved in the shaping of metal objects. ...

The Peasants' Revolt

With news of rebellions of the lower classes in France and Flanders, the English readied for an insurrection. John Ball, Jack Straw and others advocated for the destruction of the hierarchical feudal system. Ball, like Tyler, held egalitarian values, though the Medieval historian Jean Froissart describes Ball as insane. Other contemporaries suggest that he was involved with the Lollard movement. Such harsh, often unfounded attitudes toward the rebels are common among chroniclers as they belonged to the educated upper classes, usually the targets of rebellion and not supporters of it. Thus, is it hard to get an accurate sense of the actual aims and goals of rebels as their side of the story is not represented in historical accounts. A social class is, at its most basic, a group of people that have similar social status. ... For other uses, see Flanders (disambiguation). ... John Ball (d. ... Feudalism comes from the Late Latin word feudum, itself borrowed from a Germanic root *fehu, a commonly used term in the Middle Ages which means fief, or land held under certain obligations by feodati. ... Jean Froissart (~1337 - ~1405) was one of the most important of the chroniclers of medieval France. ... Lollardy or Lollardry was the political and religious movement of the Lollards in late 14th century and early 15th century England. ...

Richard II ascended to power after the death of Edward III; he was only 14 at the time of the rebellion. As a minor, the Dukes of Lancaster, York, and Gloucester governed in his name. These officials were the main targets of the rebels who held that they were traitors to the king and undermined his authority. There were several unsuccessful expeditions against France which added to the burden of the English working class. The government resolved on a poll tax of three groats which outraged the people. Richard II (January 6, 1367 – February 14, 1400) was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399. ... This article is about the King of England. ... There were several Dukes of Lancaster in the 14th and early 15th Centuries. ... HRH The Prince Andrew, the current Duke of York For the nursery rhyme see The Grand Old Duke of York. ... King Richard III held the title of Duke of Gloucester from 1461 until his accession in 1483 The title Duke of Gloucester (pronounced gloss-ter) is a British royal title (after Gloucester), often conferred on one of the sons of the reigning monarch. ... The term working class is used to denote a social class. ... A poll tax, head tax, or capitation is a tax of a uniform, fixed amount per individual (as opposed to a percentage of income). ... Groat is the traditional name of an English silver coin worth four English pennies, and also a Scottish coin originally worth fourpence, with later issues being valued at eightpence and a shilling. ...

Reacting to the poll tax, which the king had instated because not enough money had been levied the previous year, Tyler led rebels in taking Canterbury, then Blackheath outside London. This resulted in the killing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury. They destroyed the palace and killed the king's uncle. Richard of Wallingford presented a charter to King Richard II on behalf of Tyler. The king met the rebel army at Mile End, and promised to address the peasants' grievances, which included the unpopular taxes. Canterbury is a cathedral city in east Kent in South East England and is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Primate of All England, head of the Church of England and of the worldwide Anglican Communion. ... , Blackheath is a village in London, centred on an area of open grassland (the heath) and straddling the boundary of the London Borough of Lewisham and the London Borough of Greenwich. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader and senior clergyman of the Church of England, recognized by convention as the head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. ... Simon Theobald a. ... Mile End is an area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in East London, England. ...

William Walworth (bottom left), kills Wat Tyler, at London Bridge

Twenty thousand people assembled at Smithfield. Richard II, who was 15 years old at the time, met them there. Wat Tyler decided to go and speak to the King and went alone. "King," said he, "do you see these men?" "Yes; what dost thou ask?" was the reply. "And thinkest thou, King, that these people, and as many as are in the city under my command ought to go without having had thy letters? Oh! no, we will carry them with us." Wat gesticulated frantically. At this time the Mayor of London, William Walworth, came forward and addressed him. "Scoundrel! how dare thou thus behave in the presence of the King, and utter such words? It is too impudent for such as thou." "Lay hands on him," said the King. "Hey, in God's name," replied Wat to the Mayor, "what I have said does it concern thee? What dost thou mean?" "Truly," answered the mayor, who finding himself supported by Richard, grew bold, "does it become such a slinking rascal as thou art, to use such speech in the presence of the King, thy natural lord? I will not live a day if thou pay not for it." The Mayor quickly drew his sword, and slashed the unarmed Wat Tyler to the ground. In the next instant, the body was stabbed by one of the King's esquires — Ralph de Standish. Immediately, the King declared that he was now the leader of the rebels and told them to return to their homes, promising them charters of freedom. He broke his promise of freedom, however, and had the rebel leaders rounded up and killed. Image File history File links Death_of_Wat_Tyler_Froissart. ... Image File history File links Death_of_Wat_Tyler_Froissart. ... For other uses, see London Bridge (disambiguation). ... Smithfield (also known as West Smithfield to distinguish it from the East Smithfield area located in Tower Hamlets) is an area in the north-west part of the City of London (which is itself the historic core of a much larger London). ... Michael Berry Savory is the current Lord Mayor of London. ... Sir William Walworth (d. ...

The rebellion ended shortly after Tyler's death and had little to do with the disappearance of serfdom. Wat Tyler's name, however, served to become a watchword and a rallying cry during public demonstrations and rebellions throughout the later medieval period. Costumes of Slaves or Serfs, from the Sixth to the Twelfth Centuries, collected by H. de Vielcastel, from original Documents in the great Libraries of Europe. ...

Consequences of the Revolt

A red dagger symbol seen in the coat of arms of the City of London and the City of London Corporation is believed by some to represent the dagger of the Lord Mayor and thus celebrate the killing of Tyler. It is more likely, however, to represent the martyrdom of St Paul, London's patron saint. Image File history File links City_of_London_Arms. ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... Motto: Domine dirige nos Latin: Lord, guide us Shown within Greater London Sovereign state Constituent country Region Greater London Status City and Ceremonial County Admin HQ Guildhall Government  - Leadership see text  - Mayor David Lewis  - MP Mark Field  - London Assembly John Biggs Area  - Total 1. ... The Corporation of London is the municipal governing body of the City of London. ... For other uses, see Martyr (disambiguation). ... Paul of Tarsus (b. ... Saint Quentin is the patron saint of locksmiths and is also invoked against coughs and sneezes. ...

There is now a country park next to the Thames Estuary in Basildon, Essex, named after him, Wat Tyler Country Park. There is also a public house in Dartford, Kent named the Wat Tyler, reputed to have been used by the eponymous rebel when the peasant army camped on East Hill, Dartford en route to Blackheath. There is also a road in Maidstone named Wat Tyler Way, and one on the western edge of Blackheath called Wat Tyler Road. The folk band Fairport Convention composed a ballad telling the story of Wat Tyler. The Thames Estuary is a large estuary where the River Thames flows into the North Sea. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Pub redirects here. ... Dartford is a local government district and borough in Kent, England. ... For other uses, see Maidstone (disambiguation). ... , Blackheath is a village in London, centred on an area of open grassland (the heath) and straddling the boundary of the London Borough of Lewisham and the London Borough of Greenwich. ... Fairport Convention are often credited with being the first English electric folk band. ...

In modern popular culture

• In "Tyler Smiles" by Attila the Stockbroker, on the (Australian) CD 668: Neighbour of the Beast, the English songwriter ironically compares Tyler's rebellion with the uprising against Margaret Thatcher's poll tax — which significanty contributed to the defeat of the Conservative Party after a decade of rule.
• In the episode "Potato" of the second series of the television programme Blackadder, set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, when Baldrick asks if he can have the afternoon off, he is replied by his master Lord Blackadder: Of course not! Who do you think you are? Wat Tyler?

Attila the Stockbroker (born John Baine, October 12, 1957 in Southwick, West Sussex, England) is a punk poet, folk punk musician and songwriter. ... Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, PC, FRS (née Roberts; born 13 October 1925) served as British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 until 1990, being the first and only woman to hold either post. ... A poll tax, head tax, or capitation is a tax of a uniform, fixed amount per individual (as opposed to a percentage of income). ... The Conservative and Unionist Party, more commonly known as the Conservative Party, is currently the largest majortiy opposition party in the United Knigdom. ... Potato is the third episode of the BBC sitcom Blackadder II, the second Season of Blackadder, which was set in Elizabethan England from 1558 to 1603. ... For other uses, see Blackadder (disambiguation). ... Elizabeth I Queen of England and Ireland Queen of France, nominal title Elizabeth I (September 7, 1533–March 24, 1603) was Queen of England and Queen of Ireland from November 17, 1558 until her death. ... Baldrick is a fictional character featured in the television series Blackadder. ... Edmund, Lord Blackadder (1531-1566) was the main character in the second series of the popular BBC sit-com Blackadder. ...

References

• Froissart, Jean, Froissart's Chronicles, New York, J. Winchester, pp. 283–290.
• Life and Adventures of Wat Tyler, the Brave and Good", London, Collins Publishing, 1851.
• "Historical, Biography of Wat Tyler", New York Daily Times, October 28, 1852, page 3.
• Hanawalt, Barbara A. The Middle Ages, New York, Oxford University Press, 1998, page 139.

Jean Froissart (~1337 - ~1405) was one of the most important of the chroniclers of medieval France. ... is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

External links

• Wat Tyler on historyguide.org — a description, from a chronicle of the time, which relates the final meeting between Wat Tyler and King Richard II.
• EASF radical history wiki An East Anglia-specific look at the rebellion