BattlefieldsPeasants' Revolt — Smithfield and killing of Wat Tyler
Medieval

Peasants' Revolt — Smithfield and killing of Wat Tyler

1381
Greater London, England
Also known as: Death of Wat Tyler · Smithfield meeting 1381
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Peasants' Revolt
Forces
c. 500-1000 royal household troops
VS
Victor
Royal forces (Richard II / Walworth)
Forces
c. 10000+ rebels
Outcome
Wat Tyler stabbed by Mayor Walworth; Richard II confronted rebels alone; revolt collapsed within days
The Battle

History & Significance

The climactic moment of the Peasants' Revolt. Wat Tyler was stabbed by Mayor William Walworth at the Smithfield negotiations; the young King Richard II famously rode forward and addressed the rebel army himself, saying "I will be your king and captain." His courage defused the crisis. Tyler was subsequently killed. The revolt collapsed rapidly without its leader.

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