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Wat Tyler's Death

Walter Tyler, commonly known as Wat Tyler (died June 15, 1381) was the leader of the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381. 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 when, or why he crossed the Thames Estuary to Kent where he led the revolt.

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 neighborhood. 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.

With news of rebellions of the lower classes in France and Flanders, the English readied for an insurrection. John Ball 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.

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.

Reacting to the poll tax, Tyler led rebels in taking Canterbury, then Blackheath outside London. This resulted in the killing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury. 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.

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

Twenty thousand people assembled at Smithfield. Richard II 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.^[vague] 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.

The rebellion ended shortly after Tyler's death. His name, however, served to become a watchword and a rallying cry during public demonstrations and rebellions throughout the later medieval period.

A red dagger symbol seen in the coat of arms of the City of London and the Corporation of London is believed to represent the dagger of the Lord Mayor and thus celebrate the killing of Tyler. But it probably actually represents the martyrdom of St Paul, London's patron saint.

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.

"Tyler Smiles" by Attila the Stockbroker, on the (Australian) CD 668: Neighbour of the Beast, English songwriter ironically compares Tyler's rebellion with the uprising against Margaret Thatcher's poll tax - which significanty contributed to the defeat of the Tory Party after a decade of conservative rule.

In the episode "Potato" of the second series of the television program 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?

• 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.
• New York Daily Times, Historical, Biography of Wat Tyler, October 28, 1852, Page 3.

• 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