Inspired by the sermons of the radical cleric John Ball, and led by Wat
Tyler, a contingent of Kentish rebels advanced on London. They were met
at Blackheath by representatives of the royal government, who
unsuccessfully attempted to persuade them to return home. King Richard
II, then aged 14, retreated to the safety of the Tower of London, but
most of the royal forces were abroad or in northern England. On 13 June,
the rebels entered London and, joined by many local townsfolk, attacked
the gaols, destroyed the Savoy Palace, set fire to law books and
buildings in the Temple, and killed anyone associated with the royal
government. The following day, Richard met the rebels at Mile End and
acceded to most of their demands, including the abolition of serfdom.
Meanwhile, rebels entered the Tower of London, killing the Lord
Chancellor and the Lord High Treasurer, whom they found inside.
On 15 June, Richard left the city to meet with Tyler and the rebels at
Smithfield. Violence broke out, and Richard's party killed Tyler.
Richard defused the tense situation long enough for London's mayor,
William Walworth, to gather a militia from the city and disperse the
rebel forces. Unrest continued until the intervention of Henry le
Despenser, who defeated a rebel army at the Battle of North Walsham on
25 or 26 June. Troubles extended north to York, Beverley and
Scarborough, and as far west as Bridgwater in Somerset. Richard
mobilised 4,000 soldiers to restore order. Most of the rebel leaders
were tracked down and executed; by November, at least 1,500 rebels had
been killed
