Wat Tyler - tragic leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt

Walter 'Wat' Tyler was a leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England, also known as The Great Rising. He marched a group of rebels from Canterbury to London to oppose the institution of a poll tax, and to demand economic and social reforms. Although the brief rebellion enjoyed early success, Tyler was killed by officers loyal to King Richard II during negotiations at Smithfield, London.