BattlefieldsPeasants' Revolt — Smithfield
Medieval

Peasants' Revolt — Smithfield

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Rebels (Wat Tyler)
Forces
Rebels: c.10,000–15,000.
VS
Victor
Royalists (Richard II / William Walworth)
Forces
Royalists: c.1,500–2,000
Outcome
Wat Tyler killed; Richard II confronted rebels alone; revolt collapsed
The Battle

History & Significance

The pivotal moment of the Peasants' Revolt. Wat Tyler met Richard II at Smithfield to negotiate but was struck down by Mayor Walworth. The fourteen-year-old king rode forward alone to face the leaderless rebel host, declaring "I am your captain — follow me!" He led them out of London while the rebel army dissolved. It was one of the most extraordinary acts of personal courage by any medieval English monarch. The revolt's demands were later rescinded.

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