Wat Tyler

Walter "Wat" Tyler (died 15 June 1381) was a leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt in England. He marched a group of rebels from Canterbury to the capital to oppose the institution of a poll tax and demand economic and social reforms. While the brief rebellion enjoyed early success, Tyler was killed by officers loyal to King Richard II during negotiations at Smithfield, London.

Early life

Nothing is known of Wat Tyler's early life. Born with the first name Walter, his original surname is unknown, though "Hugh" and "Helier" have been suggested. It is thought that the name "Tyler" comes from his occupation as a roof tiler. Prior to the Peasants' Revolt he lived in Kent, and has been variously represented as coming from Dartford, Deptford, and Maidstone, all within that county.

The Peasants' Revolt

The Peasants' Revolt began in May 1381 in response to a poll tax, a fixed amount charged to each member of a community regardless of financial status. The revolt was not only about money; the peasants also sought increased liberty and other social reforms. They demanded that each laborer be allowed to work for the employer of his choice, and sought an end to serfdom and other rigid social demarcation. There were uprisings across England, with much of the unrest focused on Essex and Kent. The uprising represented a significant part of English society in those regions, including nobility and wealthy religious establishments. Many were inspired by the teachings of John Ball, a radical priest who preached that all humans should be treated equally, as descendants of Adam and Eve.

Wat Tyler (band)

Wat Tyler were an English punk/novelty band of the late 1980s and 1990s, fronted by Sean Forbes alongside Simon Tucker and Smithy. The band were known for their eclectic style, political commentary, surreal humour, and inside jokes, and produced a number of EPs and albums on different labels, including their own Rugger Bugger imprint and Lookout! Records.

Wat Tyler evolved from early 80s anarcho-punk band 4 Minute Warning, and were performing gigs by 1986. Debut EP Contemporary Farming Issues was released in 1989 and included "Hops and Barley", later covered by and a live favourite for Leatherface. In 1993 their Madonna-parodying EP "Sexless" was made single of the week in NME and Kerrang! as well as giving the band national press exposure and a top ten indie chart hit.

1995's Tummy compilation was also released on Lookout! Records (US) and Gap Recordings (Netherlands). Its title and cover parodied Portishead's Dummy. Final album proper The Fat of the Band did the same for The Prodigy's 1997 album. Wat Tyler released their last record in 2002.