BattlefieldsPeasants Revolt — Rochester Castle and Bridge 1381
Medieval

Peasants Revolt — Rochester Castle and Bridge 1381

1381
Kent, England
Also known as: Rochester 1381 Peasants Revolt · Rebels take Rochester
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rochester garrison
Forces
c. 50-100 castle garrison
VS
Victor
Kentish rebels (Wat Tyler)
Forces
c. 3000-5000 rebels
Outcome
Rochester Castle stormed; prisoners freed; Medway crossing secured for rebel advance
The Battle

History & Significance

On their march to London, Wat Tyler's Kentish rebels stormed Rochester Castle, which had been hastily garrisoned against them. The rebels freed prisoners including a group of villeins who had been imprisoned for defying their lord at Gravesham. The seizure of Rochester Bridge gave the rebels control of the main road to London. Rochester was one of several fortified points seized as the Kentish and Essex risings combined into the great march of 1381.

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