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Death of Wat Tyler at Smithfield

Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt, is fatally wounded by Mayor William Walworth during tense negotiations with King Richard II at Smithfield. The moment is a sudden eruption of violence in wha

Setting

Smithfield, a large open area just outside London's city walls, used for livestock markets and gatherings. The ground is trampled earth, scattered with hay and occasional patches of mud. Nearby stalls and pens lie abandoned in the chaos.

Characters

Wat Tyler
primary
A rugged, weather-beaten man in his late 30s with a muscular build from years of manual labor. His face is lined with sun and toil, featuring a prominent nose and a thick, unkempt beard. His hands are calloused, and he bears the stance of a man accustomed to leading through strength and conviction.
William Walworth, Mayor of London
primary
A middle-aged man with a sturdy, battle-hardened frame, his face lined with the weight of responsibility. His dark eyes are sharp and calculating beneath a furrowed brow, his short-cropped beard streaked with gray. Hands calloused from years of wielding weapons.
King Richard II
secondary
A slender young man of 14 years with delicate features, fair complexion, and shoulder-length golden hair. His piercing blue eyes reflect both royal authority and youthful uncertainty. He stands with a regal posture, though his slight frame betrays his age.
Rebel Peasant
secondary
A gaunt, wiry man in his late 30s with sunken cheeks and a weathered face, his skin tanned and roughened by years of outdoor labor. His dark hair is matted with sweat and dust, and his hands are calloused from working the fields. His eyes burn with a mix of fury and desperation.
Royal Guard
background
A broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face marked by a faded scar running from his left temple to jawline. His short-cropped brown hair is hidden beneath a bascinet helmet with visor raised, revealing keen blue eyes scanning for threats. Calloused hands grip a drawn poleaxe with practiced ease.

Dialog

Wat Tyler By the blood of the fields, we demand justice! No more taxes to fatten lords while we starve!
William Walworth Silence, traitor! You dare address His Majesty with such insolence? By God's teeth, you'll answer for this!
King Richard II Good people, we have heard your grievances. Return to your homes in peace, and we shall consider—
Wat Tyler Consider? We've had enough of considering! We'll have our rights now or burn London to the ground!
William Walworth That is treason spoken plain! Guards—
Wat Tyler Come then, merchant dog! See how your steel fares against a man with nothing left to lose!
William Walworth For the crown and the city!

Related Moments

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Death of Wat Tyler
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1381 · contemporaneous
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1381 · contemporaneous
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Death of Wat Tyler at Smithfield
1381 · contemporaneous
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Peasants' Revolt
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D
Death of Wat Tyler
1381 · contemporaneous