BattlefieldsPeasants' Revolt: Storming of the Tower of London, 1381
Medieval

Peasants' Revolt: Storming of the Tower of London, 1381

1381
London, England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Kingdom of England
VS
Victor
Rebels
Outcome
Rebels breached the Tower of London unopposed, the only time in its history it has fallen; they seized and beheaded Archbishop Simon Sudbury (Lord Chancellor), Sir Robert Hales (Lord High Treasurer), William Appleton (John of Gaunt's physician) and John Legge (a royal sergeant) on Tower Hill, and looted the fortress's armour and royal goods.
The Battle

History & Significance

A medieval skirmish fought in 1381 near London, England. Recorded strengths: A rebel force of approximately 400 entered the Tower; the size of the small garrison/guard present is not recorded in the surviving sources..

Confirmed battlefield location
Casualties & Losses

Four men killed at the Tower and beheaded on Tower Hill: Archbishop Simon Sudbury, Sir Robert Hales, William Appleton and John Legge. The figure of 'at least 1,500 killed' in the prior record does not correspond to this specific event and instead reflects broader estimates for the whole 1381 revolt.

Forces Involved

A rebel force of approximately 400 entered the Tower; the size of the small garrison/guard present is not recorded in the surviving sources.

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