Origins & Early Life

Wat Tyler (1341 or c. 1320 – 15 June 1381) was a leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England. He led a group of rebels from Canterbury to London to oppose the collection of a poll tax and to demand economic and social reforms. While the brief rebellion enjoyed early success, Tyler was killed by officers loyal to King Richard II during negotiations at Smithfield, London.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Little is known of Tyler's early life. Historical sources give differing years for his birth, one as early as 1320, though most historians agree that he was born around 1341. "Wat" may have been his given name (derived from the Old English name Watt), or a diminutive form of the name Walter; his original surname was unknown. The surname "Tyler" may have come from his occupation as a roof tiler, and he probably lived in Kent or Essex. He has variously been represented as coming from Deptford, Dartford and Maidstone in Kent, as well as Colchester in Essex.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Several chroniclers report that he served in France during earlier campaigns of the Hundred Years War as an archer. The Peasants' Revolt began in May 1381, triggered by a recently imposed poll tax of four pence from every person...

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