BattlefieldsPeasants Revolt — Blackheath Muster and March on London 1381
Medieval

Peasants Revolt — Blackheath Muster and March on London 1381

1381
Kent, England
Also known as: Blackheath 1381 · Wat Tyler musters at Blackheath
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
London authorities
Forces
c. 1000-2000 London militia
VS
Victor
Rebels (Wat Tyler)
Forces
c. 10000-15000 combined rebels
Outcome
Rebels assembled at Blackheath; John Ball preached; rebels crossed into London
The Battle

History & Significance

The Kentish rebels under Wat Tyler assembled at Blackheath on 12-13 June 1381, where they were joined by Essex rebels crossing via London Bridge. John Ball preached his famous sermon. The combined force numbered perhaps 60,000 men. Richard II came by barge to meet them at Greenwich but retreated when he saw the rebel numbers. The rebels then entered London, the gates being opened by sympathisers. Blackheath served as the assembly point for multiple later rebellions precisely because of this association.

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