jan 1, 1381 - Peasants' Revolt
Description:
- in reaction to the new requirement of everyone in the country to pay the standard poll tax of 12 pence, Wat Tyler roused the people
(the 3rd poll tax in four years, poll taxes have risen)
- supporters set out from Kent and Essex with pitchforks to London
- rebels execute lord treasurer
- reached Smithfield - field outside the city walls where farmers brought animals to market
- peasants faced a large group of soldiers headed by the lord mayor of London
- the boy-king Richard II also came - he promised he would grant their wishes
- London mayor struck Wat Tyler on the neck
- other leaders of the revolt (Jack Straw and John Ball) were quickly arrested
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