This Day in History: 13 June 2020
13 June 1381
639 years ago, today, a large mob of English peasants, led by Wat Tyler, marched into London, beginning to burn and loot the city. Many government buildings were destroyed, prisoners were released, and a judge and several other citizens were beheaded. This event occurred during the Peasants' Revolt, which had begun when peasant discontent had reached a breaking point, after Parliament restricted voting rights in 1380. Wat Tyler was chosen in Kent by the rebels as their leader, and he led his followers toward London, capturing the towns of Maidstone, Rochester and Canterbury along the way. As he was denied a meeting with King Richard II, he led his rebels into London to burn the city.
The next day, the young King met with the peasant leaders and agreed to their demands to eradicate serfdom and marketplace restrictions. The fighting, however, still continued elsewhere, and Tyler led a peasant force against the Tower of London, resulting in the capture of the fortress and the execution of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Tyler finally met the king on June 15, where he presented new demands, including the abolishment of church property. Angered at Tyler's arrogance, the Mayor of London lunged at the rebel with a sword and fatally wounded him. Hundreds of rebels were executed, and the rest dispersed after the mayor brought armed troops. The Peasants' Revolt was put down in the next few days, and Richard revoked all promises he had made to the peasants. Wat Tyler's head was displayed on a pole in a London field for several weeks afterwards.
Want to find out more about the Peasants' Revolt and Wat Tyler? Click here for more information about Wat Tyler, or click here for a part one of a documentary about the Peasants' Revolt. Click here for part two.
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