Wat Tyler & The Peasant's Revolt

Wat Tyler and The Peasant's Revolt. . The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was the first great popular rebellion in English history. Rebels from Kent and Essex, under Wat Tyler and John Ball, marched on London to make a stand against the poll tax levied by Richard II., The Rebels , Capped wages and rising taxes over the preceding decade had created discontent among both agricultural labourers and the urban working classes. This growing tension exploded in June 1381 and, by the 5th June, Maidstone was involved. John Ball was freed from incarceration in Maidstone's Archbishops' Palace and according to the Anonimalle Chronicle it was here that Tyler was voted the rebellion's leader., London's Burning , After storming Canterbury, the rebels marched on London, entering the city on the 13th in London, rebels destroyed government records and burned major landmarks such as the Savoy Palace. Despite attempts by the King to negotiate on the 14th, the rebels were able to force the surrender of the Tower of London for the only time in history... The Chancellor, Archbishop Simon of Sudbury, and the Treasurer. Sir Robert Hales, who were held responsible for the poll tax, were beheaded. Wat Tyler met with Richard is the following day. but was killed by the Mayor of London in the King's presence., The Dust Settles , The King appealed to the rebels their sovereign, promising reforms and persuading them to disperse. Riots continued for about a month across the region but were crushed. Whilst the majority of the King's promises were forgotten the rebellion did prevent the levying of further poll taxes.