Ancient & Medieval Traitors by Kerr Gordon

Author:Kerr, Gordon [Kerr, Gordon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canary Press
Published: 2011-10-10T23:00:00+00:00

THE PEASANTS’ REVOLT

In 1381 Wat Tyler decided to take action against parliament. He appointed himself as leader and set out to stir up a rebellion which would compel parliament to make an agreement with the rebels. This uprising was centred in the south east and frequently used Kent as a base. Fighting first broke out in Essex and swiftly moved on to the borders of Kent. Following the seizure of Canterbury the growing number of rebels and peasantry began an attack on London. After a failed attempt to interview Richard II, Tyler led the heaving mob into the city. As they entered the country’s capital they seemed intent on destruction. First came the brutal murders of a number of Flemish merchants, then followed the obliteration of the palace of the king’s uncle, John of Gaunt.

The violence seemed to act solely as a warning to the king that the mob would stop at nothing to get the reform that they desired. After another serious rampage in which the rebels took control of the Tower of London, killing both the Archbishop and the treasurer, King Richard II decided it was time to speak to Tyler. On 14 June 1381 the king met the surging mob at Mile End. Tyler issued a series of demands including an end to serfdom and feudal service and also laid down restrictions upon buying and selling. The king reluctantly agreed to these terms and sent the crowd on their way. Sensing that he was on to a winning formula, Tyler returned the next day to ask for a confiscation of all church property. As it happened, the king was not willing to acquiesce to this demand and instead he had the Mayor of London take on Tyler in a fight which eventually killed the rebel.

After Tyler’s death the king, who was a mere fourteen years of age, was able to take control of the mob and suppress them until the Mayor returned with assistance. The rebellion was finally crushed by the militant bishop of Norwich, Henry le Despenser on 25 June 1381. Tyler had lost his life for nothing as the king swiftly went back on his promises to the people. No reform was realised and the peasantry were forced to live the same life of poverty that they had become accustomed to.

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