The Peasant

3 of Clubs

Wat Tyler

Wat Tyler was the leader of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, the first great popular rebellion in English history; his leadership proved one of the chief factors in the success of protest against the harsh taxation of the poorer classes. Tyler led the rebels in the capture of Canterbury; the Savoy palace, London Bridge and the Tower of London. Although King Richard II promised concessions Tyler's men refused to disarm and disband. They met with Richard at Smithfield, where Tyler presented more radical demands, which included the confiscation of all church lands. Fighting broke out in the course of the negotiations, and Tyler was badly wounded. His followers carried him to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, from which he was later dragged away and beheaded. After Tyler's death the government quickly reasserted its authority and ended the rebellion.