[MR] Wikipedia: Wat Tyler's Rebellion, the Shocking Conclusion

[Garth Groff via Atlantia]

Noble Friends,

On this day in 1581 Wat Tyler's Rebellion reached its climax with 
shocking events at Smithfield, just outside London.

The previous day the young King Richard II had met with many of the 
rebels and had offered charters meeting some of their demands. He did 
not agree to their demands for arrests and executions of royal and 
church officials, instead promising Royal prosecution of any officials 
who broke his law (a neat dodge since the law was pretty vague). Most of 
these rebels were Essex men, and now satisfied, dispersed.

On 15 June, Richard rode out to meet Wat Tyler and other rebels who had 
not accepted his concessions. These were mostly men from Kent, where the 
rebellion had been at its worst. Richard was supported by a bodyguard of 
courtiers, knights, and a few soldiers. His party numbered about 200. 
Behind Wat Tyler were several thousand armed rebels. Tyler rode forward 
to parlay, and insolently addressed the King Richard. During the parley 
Tyler made what appeared to be a threatening move toward Richard. At 
this point, an attempt was made to arrest Tyler. In the fray, he was 
stabbed by the Mayor of London, William Walworth. Then a royal squire 
named Ralph Stadish drew his sword and finished the job.

After a few moments of shocked silence, the rebels began drawing their 
arms. At this point Richard did one of the few really brave and decisive 
acts of his whole rather bland reign. He rode forward alone toward the 
rebels, shouting "I will be your leader." After some quick promises to 
the crowd, he ordered them back to their homes. Surprisingly, the mob 
dispersed on his order. Now backed by local militia, the remaining bands 
of brigands in the city were quickly suppressed.

Having bought some time, the crown was able to raise forces to deal with 
the rebellion in other places around England. Most of Richard's promises 
were revoked once the rebels were routed. Over 1,500 leaders were 
tracked down and executed. Eventually most of the remaining rebels were 
pardoned, excepting those involved in killing officials. Of their chief 
complaints, the hated poll tax was not repealed, but Parliament voted to 
curtail some of the war in France which lessened the peasants' tax 
burden. Serfdom was not outlawed, but gradually fell out of favor due to 
changing economic conditions and was nearly extinct by the early 15th 
century.

London Mayor William Walworth, and many of the men of Richard's guard, 
were knighted for their loyalty.

Once again the complete story can be found here: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peasants%27_Revolt .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge