Wat Tyler, along with Jack Straw and John Ball, were the leaders of the Peasant's Revolt that took place in 1381. It is not known if he was a tiler, or even a soldier, but he led the Kentish rebels during the uprising. The cause of the revolt can be traced back to the affects of the Black Death that reduced the population in England greatly. With less hands to work the fields the working people were entitled to more money and to pay less rent, but instead they were forced to endure wages that were fixed and rules preventing them from moving to other areas of the country. In order to raise money for the war with France, Parliament called for a series of poll-taxes. The third poll-tax raised was the hardest and even the poorest were expected to contribute. In an effort to prevent the workers avoiding paying the taxes, judges were sent out to ensure the taxes were paid. In June of 1381 in Kent and East-Anglia the peasants and townspeople rose up in rebellion against the taxes and led by Wat Tyler they marched towards London. On June 14, the rebels met with King Richard II at Mile End. The King agreed to several demands and the Essex rebels returned home. But Wat Tyler wanted more and attacked the Tower of London where Archbishop Sudbury was killed. The next day Wat Tyler met with the King as Smithfield with more demands but was killed. Richard persuaded the rebels to return home. The rebels were later tracked down and punished for taking part in the rebellion.

 Tyler, Wat ( - d.1381)