Peasants' Revolt Rebels Enter London and Burn Savoy Palace
England faced widespread unrest in 1381 after years of heavy taxation to fund wars with France and the imposition of a new poll tax that burdened the poor. Led by Wat Tyler and other figures, thousands of peasants and townspeople from Kent and Essex marched toward the capital to demand an end to serfdom and tax relief. On June 13, the rebels reached London, where they were joined by local supporters. They attacked prisons, released inmates, and targeted symbols of royal authority, including the lavish Savoy Palace owned by John of Gaunt, which they looted and set ablaze. Government officials and associates were killed in the violence that followed.
Why it matters: The uprising forced King Richard II to negotiate temporarily and grant concessions on serfdom and taxes before leaders were captured and executed. It highlighted deep social and economic tensions in late medieval England and influenced later peasant movements and labor relations across Europe.