6.2.4

Crushing the Revolt

Test yourself

Crushing the Peasants' Revolt: What Happened to Wat Tyler?

Wat Tyler was killed but the rebels were subdued by King Richard.

Illustrative background for Meeting at SmithfieldIllustrative background for Meeting at Smithfield ?? "content

Meeting at Smithfield

  • On 15th June, the government and the rebels met just outside the city walls at a place called Smithfield.
  • The King brought 200 men with him.
Illustrative background for Wat Tyler meets the KingIllustrative background for Wat Tyler meets the King ?? "content

Wat Tyler meets the King

  • Wat Tyler came forward to meet the King but he didn't address him with sufficient respect, which angered the King.
  • King Richard questioned why the rebels hadn't followed the agreements they had made with him on the 14th.
  • Tyler requested further negotiations and then tried to leave.
Illustrative background for Confrontation with royal servantsIllustrative background for Confrontation with royal servants ?? "content

Confrontation with royal servants

  • An argument began between some of the royal servants and Wat Tyler. The Mayor of London had to step in to attempt to end it.
  • Tyler made a gesture toward the King, so the royal soldiers panicked and tried to arrest him.
Illustrative background for Wat Tyler's deathIllustrative background for Wat Tyler's death ?? "content

Wat Tyler's death

-Then, Tyler tried to attack the mayor, who then stabbed him.

  • Another royal servant then stabbed Tyler repeatedly to make sure that he was dead.
Illustrative background for Rebels are suppressedIllustrative background for Rebels are suppressed ?? "content

Rebels are suppressed

  • Full-scale violence could have broken out, but King Richard rode forward and persuaded the rebels to follow him away from the scene.
  • Tyler's head was then cut off and put on a pole to display to the crowds as an example to others.

Jump to other topics

1The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

1.1Anglo-Saxon England

1.2The Contest for the English Throne

1.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

1.4King John

1.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

1.6The Black Death

2Worldviews

3The Empire of Mali

4The Renaissance & Reformations, 1500-1598 AD

5The British Empire, 1583-1960 AD

6The Peasants' Revolt

7Religion in the Middle Ages

8Slavery, 1619-1833 AD

9The English Civil War, 1642-1660

10The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1840

11US Independence, 1775-1783

12The French Revolution, 1789-1815

13The British Empire, 1857–1930

14Suffrage

15World War 1, 1914-1918

16The Inter-War Years, 1919-1939

17World War 2, 1939-1945

18The Cold War, 1947-1962

19Civil Rights in the USA, 1954-1975

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson