or Wat Tyler's Rebellion
(1381) First great popular rebellion in English history.
It was triggered by the poll tax of 1381, which angered labourers and artisans already resentful of the limits on wages fixed by the Statute of Labourers (1351). Centred in southeastern England and East Anglia, the revolt was led by Wat Tyler (d. 1381), who marched into London with a band of Kentish rebels. They captured the Tower of London and beheaded officials responsible for the poll tax. Richard II promised reforms, but Tyler was killed in his presence by the mayor of London. The last of the rebels were subdued in East Anglia two weeks later.