A priest called John Ball stirred the flame of revolution even higher by preaching to the peasants and encouraging them to call for justice. The Story! The peasants marched on London whilst the boy-King Richard II and his Court including the Earl of Derby (the future Henry IV), John of Gaunt's son, Sir Thomas Percy (admiral), and Sir Thomas Walworth (Lord Mayor of London) had fled to the Tower of London for safety. King Richard met the rebels at Blackheath and agreed to their demands - many of the peasants peacefully returned to their homes. The remaining peasants led by Wat Tyler met with the King again at Smithfield. Wat Tyler was wounded and captured - he was later beheaded by Mayor Walworth and his men. John Ball met an even more horrific fate and was Hung, drawn and quartered. The King had won the day and the rebellion was crushed. But the rhyme which sparked the 'English Revolution' is still remembered today! His liaison with a commoner called Katherine Swynford produced four illegitimate children (He married Katherine in 1396 and their children (the Beauforts), by this time adults, were legitimised) Their son John was the Great-Great Grandfather of King Henry VIII of England "Of Peasant Stock mighty Kings are born." When Adam delved and Eve span Rhyme lyrics, origins and history "When Adam delved, and Eve span Who was then a gentleman?" When Adam delved and Eve span Rhyme lyrics, origins and history |