William Walworth & the Peasants Revolt

On 15th June 1381, King Richard II of England arrived at Smithfield. Waiting for him there was Wat Tyler & the men of Kent who were part of the Peasants Revolt. This revolt was aresult of the levying of a Poll Tax of four pence for every adult, be they rich or poor. This was the spark but the peasantry were also after social reforms such as greater liberties.

Tyler met with the King & though the meeting started well, this did not last. Reports state that Tyler was disrespectful to the King & was criticised by Sir John Newton, a servant of the King, as being “the greatest thief & robber in all of Kent”. Tyler attacked Newton but was arrested by William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London.

Tyler then attempted to stab Walworth, but the Mayor was wearing armour so was protected. Walworth then struck Tyler across the neck & head with his sword. King Richard showed great bravery by riding towards the peasants & persuading them to follow him away from Smithfield. Tyler was taken to a nearby hospital but once the peasants had left, he was taken from there & brought before Walworth.

The Mayor passed judgement on Tyler & the peasant leader was subsequently beheaded. Walworth was rewarded by the King for his services during the revolt by receiving a knighthood, which made him the first commoner in England to be knighted.

Walworth was a member of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, & this statue of him can be seen in their livery hall located next to London Bridge.

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