 section 44 of England this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the world's story volume 9 England edited by Eva March Tappan section 44 the Battle of Evesham 1265 by G. P. R. James it was about one o'clock on the 4th of August 1265 when Simon de Montford having the King upon his right hand with Lord Ledespin say the high just judiciary on the monarch's right the Earl of Montherma and Lord Ralph Busset on his own left and some four or five and twenty knights and gentlemen following close upon his steps rode out from the highway leading from Evesham to Alcester upon that ever renowned plane where the truncheon of power was to be rested from his grasp forever the country was for the most part open but there was a little wood and some rising ground to the right a rivulet running along across the patch of common land which the road now traversed and a cultivated field with its hedgerows on the left about a quarter of a mile from the point at which the highway issued from between the banks was a stone post marking the spot where three roads coming down from some slight hills in front met and united in the one along which de Montford had marched from Evesham for nearly the same distance beyond these roads might be seen crossing the common and then plunging amongst woods and hedgers they ascended the gentle slope opposite the day was not so fine as the preceding one clouds were gathering in the sky the air was heavy and oppressive the horses either languid or impatient and everything announced that the Sun would go down in storms a small advance guard had been sent forward to reconnoiter the country in front and the head of the column of the army was about a hundred yards behind the general and his companions but no detachment had been on this as on the preceding day thrown out to examine the fields to the left of the line of March de Montford's brow was calm and serene he hoped air many hours were over to unite his forces to those of his eldest son and then turning upon his enemy to terminate the contest at a blow air he had reached the stone at the crossing of the roads however three or four horsemen at headlong speed came down from the rising ground in front and in a moment after the whole advance guard was seen in full retreat what is this asked de Montford spurring on his horse to meet the first of the men at arms who were approaching what news bring you in such haste my lord there is a mighty power coming down upon you cried the man we saw them from the edge of the slope beyond full twenty thousand men did you see their banners demanded de Montford no answered the messenger there were banners in plenty but I marked not what they were you are speedily alarmed said the earth in a cold tone huge among thermal he proceeded speaking to the young lord who was close behind gallop up that hill there to the right and bring his word what your keen eyes can see I will ride on to the other slope and judge for myself he was away in a moment and de Montford continued turning in the saddle my kind friend Monttherma my good Lord Ralph I beseech you array the man as they issue forth from between the banks those that are coming must be the forces of my son from Kenilworth but it is as well to be prepared my lord de dispens I leave you to entertain his majesty I will be back directly some of you gentlemen follow me and spurring on at full speed he crossed the little revulate and ascended the first slope of the ground beyond he there paused for some minutes watching attentively the country before him through which upon the left hand road was advancing a large body of men under numerous banners at length he seemed satisfied turned his horse and rode back at an easy canter to the spot where the old Earl of Monttherma and Lord Ralph Bassett were arraying the spearmen archers and crossbowmen who had by this time come forth upon the common while the men at arms were only beginning to appear taking up a position behind the infantry it is as well said de Montford speaking as they returned to one of the gentlemen who had followed him it is as well to put the men array for we shall hold here for an hour while the men refresh themselves you saw those banners yes my lord replied denied I marked that of your son and that of the Earl of Oxford we will give them a cheer when they come up continued de Montford and he rode on to the Earl of Monttherma saying it is my son Monttherma I see his banner and oxford's likewise but here comes your nephew who is this he is driving down before him at the point of the lance a crossbowman it seems my lord my lord cried huge of Monttherma as he came up prepare for instant battle Prince Edwards army is within a mile and Mortimer is coming up on the right hand road what to the right exclaimed de Montford how came he there well let them come they will meet more than they expected my son is on the left advance our wing my good lord of Monttherma that we may join with him more easily my lord you are deceived said Hugh eagerly the banners you have seen are not your sons but cried de Montford speak sir are exclaimed Hugh turning sternly to the crossbowmen whom he had driven down before him speak and let the Earl hear the truth such bitter tidings should only come from the lips of an enemy speak I say my lord this is one of Gloucester's archers he will tell you more let him then said the earl who are these marching against me sir are Prince Edward Roger Mortimer and Gilbert to clear replied the man your son my lord kill me if you will but it is the truth your son was surprised in his bed at Kenilworth his army routed and dispersed 13 barons displaying their own banners were taken and as many more was slain the banners you have seen were captured by the Prince and are hung out but to deceive you and my son asked de Montford gazing earnestly into the man's face what of my son he escaped my lord replied the archer he escaped and threw himself into the castle take him to the rear said de Montford low where they come a mighty power indeed how orderly how firm the boy learned that from me now God have mercy on our souls for our bodies our Prince Edwards he added the latter words in a lower voice but so as to be distinctly hurt by the gentleman around him a moment after he raised his head proudly saying however he must be met boldly and we must do our duty as knights and gentlemen everyone who is willing to do so may this day conquer high renown if he wins no other prize but should there be anyone who fears to fight and fall with de Montford he has full leave to go for I would not have it said when men shall talk of this glorious but perhaps disastrous day that there was one coward amongst all those who did battle adepthian let us make the best of our array my lord of Monttherma yonder wood is a point that must be maintained Hugh line the edges of that little field with arches place me there are stout foresters from Sherwood it is a point of much importance take up your post beyond them there with your men at arms have some archers and slingers in your front and keep the ground between the father hedge and those scrubby bushes and hawthorn trees amongst which their horsemen cannot act I put you in a post of difficulty and danger young gentleman but I know you will acquit you well and now for the rest of our array the enemy are halting for their own arrangements but still we must lose no time thus saying he rode slowly along the wood giving his orders as he went and ranging his men for battle while Hugh de Monttherma proceeded to execute the commands he had received every post was soon filled up and before two o'clock the adverse armies were completely arrayed facing each other but alas that of Prince Edward outnumbering a force opposed to him in the proportion of two to one nearly in the center of de Montford's the line was the Earl of Leicester himself and at a little distance the weakened false King Henry cased in complete armor and riding a strong black charger for on both sides the royal standard was displayed and in a brief consultation amongst the principal nobles it had been judged necessary as the King's name was used in all public acts by the Lord's commissioners to let the soldiers see him actually in arms on their behalf neither had Henry himself appeared in the least unwilling to play this part for all though surrounded by a number of guards he still entertained the hope of escaping in the hurry and confusion of battle in the right wing of the same army was placed the gallant young Henry de Montford a godson of the King and like Hugh de Monttherma a playfellow of Prince Edward for in those dire civil wars as he ever the case all the sweet relationships of life were torn asunder and the hearts that loved each other the best were frequently armed for each other's destruction in the left wing was the banner of Monttherma and under it fought not only the regular retainers of the house but the yeoman and foresters of Yorkshire and Nottingham the slingers as usual were thrown forward about a hundred and fifty yards before the rest of the army closely supported by the lighter pikemen and taking advantage of every bush and break which might give them shelter while they discharge their missiles at the enemy behind them were some thousands of Welsh foot who had been engaged as auxiliaries by de Montford and then came the lines of sturdy English archers and regular spearmen supported by the men at arms it was a fine array to look upon and stern and firm seemed the front of de Montford's battle but the vast superiority of the enemy's numbers cast a shadow as it were upon the spirits of the soldiery while in the hearts of the leaders was nothing but the certainty of defeat and death had it been any other body perhaps that opposed them but an English force had any other generals commanded the adverse party but Edward and Gloucester their confidence in their own courage and in their great leader might have taught them to look with hope even to the unequal struggle before them the troops however by whom they were outnumbered were English soldiers the chiefs who led the enemy were famous for their warlike skill and courage and all were fresh from victory and deleted with recent success upon the field of battle the banners which had been assumed to mislead de Montford were cast by and those of the different leaders themselves displayed the troops of Mortimer and the Lord's marches were on the right the division of Gloucester on the left and the commander Edward himself in the center in the army of the prince hope and exultation were in every bosom confidence was strong and amongst the foreign favorite of Henry the third who were ranged in that force the burning thirst for revenge upon him who had overthrown their fortunes and well-nigh driven them from the land added fierceness to their courage and a savage joy at the thought of the coming vengeance after the array was complete a stern and gloomy silence pervaded the whole line of de Montford each man thought of tomorrow of the home that he might never see again the children left fatherless the widowed wife the promised bride the sweet warm relations of domestic life soon to be torn by the bloody hand of war yet none but the acceleraries thought of flying not one dreamt of avoiding the fate before him for each man there arrayed came with a firm conviction of right and justice on his side each believed that he was fighting for the deliverance of his country from foreign domination each came ready to die for the liberty and the freedom of the people of England they were determined resolute unshaken but they were without hope and therefore in stern silence they awaited the onset of the foe on the other side for some time nothing was heard but cheerful sounds the leaders shouts the repeated blasts of the clarion and the trumpet till at length amongst them also a momentary solemn pause succeeded giving notice that the battle was about to begin they hung like a thunder cloud upon the edge of the slope and that temporary calm but preceded the breaking forth of the tempest the heavy masses then for a moment seemed to tremble and then a few men ran forward from the ranks slinging even from a distance at which no effect could be produced large balls of stone or lead at the front of the Montford's line others followed quick in irregular masses and then moved on somewhat more slowly but in fine and soldierly order the whole of Edward's overpowering force a pin might have been heard to drop in the host of Demontford so still was the expectant silence with which they awaited the attack of the immense army which seemed not only about to assail them at once in front but lapping over it both extremities to crush either flank under the charge of its numerous cavalry the skillful dispositions of the great Earl however had secured them against that danger and the wood on the right hand which he had filled with archers and foot spearmen defended one wing while the hedgers and low Hawthorne trees near which he had planted Hugh Demont Thurma and the bowmen of Sherwood were a protection to the left nevertheless the latter point was one of considerable danger and Edward marked it as the weakest part of Demontford's line scarcely had the first movement in the Prince's army taken place when a strong body of horse following close upon a band of crossbowmen was observed by Hugh Demont Thurma marching straight against his post headed by the banner of bigot Earl of Norfolk and leaving his men at arms for a moment he galloped to the spot where his friend Robin stood saying in a low voice here will they make their first attack Robin in order to turn our flank let them come replied Robin Hood we will give a good account of them we have planted stakes for their horses my lord so if you have to charge mark well the gaps I see I see cried Hugh Demont Thurma but as it is a great object to put them in disarray send them a flight from your bow strings as soon as the arrows will tell us will tell now said Robin and at the same time he raised his bow above his head as a signal to his men at that instant a few balls dropping from the enemy slingers fell impotent along Demontford's line but the next moment a hundred fifty arrows shot into the air scattered the crossbowmen in the face of Hugh Demont Thurma's band and even caused considerable disarray amongst the men at arms from Norfolk a whole flight from Edwards army then darkened the air but reached not the opposite host and the Earl of Mont Thurma distrusting his nephews impetuosity rode down to beg him on no account whatever to charge till the battle had really begun it was not long air such was the case however onward with increasing rapidity came the force of the Prince the arrows and the quarrels on both sides began to work fearful havoc in the ranks and the men at arms might be seen closing the bar dabbling Tye preparing to enter with each other into deadly strife the arrows from the Nottingham bows unmatched throughout all England did execution of a fearful kind amongst the crossbowmen opposed to them one went down after another as they hurried forward their ranks became thinner and more thin and at length the men at arms behind them finding that the living as well as the dead and wounding encumbered without serving called to them loudly to retire that they themselves might advance to charge before the retreat of the infantry could well be accomplished the Earl of Norfolk gave the word and with level glances the horsemen rushed on though repeated arrows from an unearing hand struck every part of the earl's own armor as he approached at the horses cried the voice of Robin Hood as the men at arms drew near and in an instant another flight point blank rattled like hail amongst the advancing cavalry five or six charges instantly went down and others furious with pain reeled and plunged spreading disarray around he was now about to give the order to advance in order to support the archers and complete what they had done but at that instant a cry of they fly they fly came from the right and looking up the line he perceived the whole body of Welsh auxiliaries running from the field in route and disarray the panic of any large body of an army we are told generally communicates itself more or less to the whole but such was not the case upon the present occasion a shout of indignant anger burst from the other troops as the Welsh went by for it was forgotten that they were not fighting for their country's safety or deliverance like the rest of that host but everyone made way for them to pass and filling up the open space as fast as possible presented a still sterner face than before to the advancing enemy one of the chief defenses of the center however was now gone it was like an artwork forced and a charge of men at arms taking place on both sides the whole line was speedily engaged from the firm front of the Nottingham archers and the terrible unceasing shower of arrows that they kept up the bands of the Earl of Norfolk turned off in disorder at the very moment he had led them up almost to the stakes Hugh de Monttherma charging while they were still in confusion drove them back in complete route but the troops of Mortimer sweeping up changed the fortune of the parties and Hugh knowing the absolute necessity of keeping firm the post he occupied retreated unwillingly to his first position it was now that the Yorkshire spearmen with the young Franklin at their head did gallant service to the cause which they espoused advancing with their long lances they kept the enemy at bay and in spite of charge after charge made by Mortimer and others maintained their ground against the whole force of the princes right wing in other parts of the field however numbers were gradually prevailing against all that courage and resolution could do the Malay had begun in all its fierceness night fought with night man opposed man hurry and confusion were seen in all parts of the field while the clang of arms the blasts of the trumpet the shouts of the combatants the loud voice of the commanders the galloping of horses the groans of the dying and the screams of men receiving agonizing wounds offered to the ear of heaven a sound only fit for the darkest depth of hell charge after charge was poured upon the left wing of de Montford's army but Mortimer big odd and the Earl of Pembroke in vain led down their horse against the gallant band of spearmen and archers each time they approached they were driven back either by the fierce flights of arrows the long spears of Pontifract or the encounter of the men at arms once only was the line between the hedged field we have mentioned and the Hawthorne trees shaken for an instant by overpowering numbers and then the old Earl of Monttherma seeing his nephew's peril galloped down at the head of a strong band of men at arms and aided to repel the enemy he paused one moment by his nephew's side air he left him saying it will be very glorious you if we can maintain our ground till night farewell my dear boy do your devour and if we never meet again on earth God bless you I beseech you sir replied Hugh take care of your own invaluable life remember you are as much aimed at by the enmity of the foreigners as even de Montford I will never fall alive into their hands replied the old Earl but I quit not this field so long as there is light to wield the sword thus saying he rode away to a spot where the battle was thickening round the banner of de Montford itself and his presence there apparently aided to restore the field for shortly after the whole force of Prince Edward withdrew for a short space like a tiger that has been disappointed of its spring and hung wavering upon the edge of the slope as if collecting vigor for a new charge at the same time the sky overhead which as I have before said had been threatening during the whole morning grew darker and darker so as to be more like that of a gloomy November evening than the decline of a summer's day the pause which had taken place seemed a part of Edward's plan for breaking the firm line of his adversary as it was more than once repeated during the battle but it was never of long duration the next instant his trumpets blew the charge and down came the thundering cavalry pouring up once upon every part of de Montford's army on the earl side too after a rapid flight of arrows from the archers the men at arms advanced to meet the coming foe and again the battle was urged hand to hand it were vain to attempt a picture of the various deeds that were done that day in different parts of the field for seldom in the annals of warfare has combat taken place in which such acts of prowess and stern determination were displayed on either part Edward himself Mortimer Gloster the Earl of Ashby and his son bigot and valence and a thousand others of noble birth and high renown fought both as generals and soldiers with personal exertions and fellow which could only be displayed in a chivalrous system of warfare while on the other de Montford Monttherma la dispensa Bassett sin John Beachham de Ross put forth energies almost superhuman to counterbalance the disadvantage of numbers and to rest a victory from the hand of fate in one place Humphrey de Beaune was struck down by one of Edward's men at arms and a peasant with an Usa was preparing to dispatch him ere he could rise when William de York came to his rescue and slew the foot soldier but even as de Beaune rose and regained his horse his deliverer was killed by a quarrel from across bow in another part the king himself was assailed and wounded by one of his own son's followers who had even shortened his lance to pin him to the earth as he lay prostrate before him when throwing back his oven die the monarch exclaimed out upon the traitor I am Henry of Winchester thy king where is my son as he spoke a night taller by a head than any man around and clothed from the crown to the heel in linked mail sprang to the ground beside him and thrusting the soldier fiercely back raised the monarch from the ground exclaiming mount mount my father and away come to the rear and let your wound be searched give me your horse's reign you at least are free and that is worth a victory the king sprang on his horse and Edward led him by the bridle to the rear of his own army almost at the same moment on the left of de Montford's line allure dorashby and Hugh de monttherma met in full career the former charging at the well-known shield of monttherma with animosity only the more fierce perhaps because he knew that it was unjust the latter meeting him unwillingly a compelled by circumstances to do his nightly Devois his very reluctance however made him more calm and thoughtful than his fiery assailant and aiming his lance right at the crest of his adversary in order to cast him from his horse and make him prisoner rather than kill him he galloped on with the wary eye the young lord of Ashby's spear charged well and steadily struck full upon the shield of his opponent peers through the plate of steel and touched the hoburg but stopped there without even shaking him in the saddle and broke off in splinters while Monttherma's lance catching the steel cask just above the Aventai hurled his adversary to the ground bruised but unwounded several of Monttherma's followers instantly ran up on foot to seize the discomfort at night and make him prisoner but a charge of fresh troops drove them back and Allura De Ashby remounting his horse rode away with no light addition to his former hatred for Hugh de Monttherma the momentary retirement of Edward from the field now caused another of those pauses in the battle which have already been mentioned his forces once more withdrew for a short space slowly and sullenly the archers on either side continuing to discharge their arrows though with but little effect about the same time a flash somewhat faint but blue and ghastly came across the sky and then the low muttering of distant thunder ha! said Robin Hood who was standing by the side of Hugh de Monttherma at the moment that trumpet will be but little attended to today heaven's voice too rarely is too rarely indeed replied Hugh have you lost many men Robin well night to score I fear answered Robin Hood poor brown was rash and ventured beyond the stakes with his little band of Mansfield men they are all gone but we have filled up the gap can you still maintain your post demanded Hugh with God's will and the help of the blessed virgin we shall do very well here said Robin but I fear my lord for the center and the right look up there just in the second line where there are so many gathering to one spot some great man is heard there my uncle was there a moment ago exclaimed Hugh I fear it is he no no my lord replied an old knight of the house of Monttherma who was on his horse close by my lord your uncle is safe I have seen him since the last charge though he seems resolved to lose his life I do beseech you Sir John Hardy said Hugh if we lose the day look to my uncle and force him from the battle should it be needful you stay on the field then my lord I suppose asked the old knight I do answered Hugh then I stay too replied Sir John Hardy nay that is folly cried Robin Hood let each man fight so long as fighting may avail but when the day is clearly lost the brave man who would spill his best blood to win it then saves the life that God gave him to do God's service at another time but see all the leaders are gathering to that point you had better go my lord and bring us tidings we will ensure the ground till your return command the troop then till I come back Sir John said Hugh and riding along the front of the line under a shower of arrows from the enemy he approached the spot where sheltered from the sight of the adversaries lines by a thick phalanx of foot spearmen and men at arms was collected a group of noblemen of the first rank seeming to hold a council around the royal standard which was there erected when Hugh came near however he saw that the occasion was a sadder one his uncle the lords of manderville Bassett Crepigny Beecham and Led Spince were standing dismounted around the famous Earl of Leicester who was stretched upon the ground with his head and shoulders supported by the knee and arm of a monk deep in his breast piercing through and through the steel Hoburg was buried the head of a broken lance and in his right shoulder was a cloth yard arrow he had just concluded what seemed his confession in extremis and the good man was murmuring over him in haste the hurried absolution of the field of battle his countenance was pale the dull shadow of death was upon it the lips were colorless and the nostrils widely expanded as if it caused an agonizing effort to draw his breath but the eye was still bright and clear and while the man of god repeated the last words it rolled thoughtfully over the faces of all around resting with an anxious gaze upon those with whom he was the most familiar draw out the lance he said speaking to the surgeon of his household who stood near if i do my lord replied the leech you cannot survive ten minutes that is long enough said demontford my boy henry is gone i saw him fall and i would not be much behind him draw it out i say i cannot breathe and i must need speak to my friends the dispenser make him draw it out i shall have time enough for all i have to do unwillingly and not without a considerable effort the surgeon tore the head of the lance out of the wound but contrary to his expectations very little blood followed the url bled inwardly he seemed to feel instant relief however saying ah that is comfort keep that steel my friend as the instrument that sent demontford to heaven now mark me lords and nobles he continued in a firm voice mark me and never forget that at his last hour going to meet his savior in judgment demontford declares that those who accuse him of ambition do belie him i say now as i have said ever that my every act and every thought have been for my country's good i may have been mistaken doubtless have been so often but that my intentions have been pure i do most fervently call heaven to witness so much for that and now my friends i am fast leaving you my son like yonder orb is setting rapidly i forever he to rise again he may yet shine brightly on the cause i can no longer support but it must be upon another field and upon another day preserve yourselves for that time my friends i exhort i beseech you that's it monthermal a dispenser this battle is lost but you may yet as night is coming affect your retreat in safety it is no dishonor to quit a well fought but unequal field show a firm face to the enemy gather all our poor soldiers together retire as orderly as may be till night covers you then disperse and each man make the best of his way to his own stronghold monthermal you shake your head i have sworn to montford said his old friend kneeling down and grasping his hand not to quit this field so long as there is light in yonder sky to strike a stroke and i must keep my vow you are going my noble friend said lord ralph bassett you are going on a journey where you must have companions i am with you lester and that right soon goodbye to montford said lord la dispenser go on i will not make you wait we shall meet again in half an hour a faint smile came upon the lips of the dying man must it be so he asked well then range your men upon them all together and let the traitors who have betrayed their country make such a field that eavesham plain shall be sung and talked of so long as liberty is dear to the hearts of englishmen hark they are coming he continued in a faint voice with his eyes rolling languidly from side to side no my lord that is thunder said the surgeon haa replied to montford vacantly thunder i am very thirsty someone ran and brought him a little water from the stream it seemed to refresh him and raising himself for an instant upon his arm he gazed around with accountants full of stern enthusiasm exclaiming aloud do your devoir and with those words he fell back into the arms of the priest a corpse a dozen voices replied we will and each man springing on his horse regained the head of his band just as edwards troops were once more in movement to advance the word was given along the whole of the confederate line the trumpets blew to the charge and the army which had held its firm position up to that hour rushed forward to meet the adversary like a thunder cloud rolling down a hill the sun at the same moment touched the edge of the horizon shining out beneath the edge of the stormy canopy that covered the greater part of the sky and blending its red descending light with the thunder drops which were now pattering large and thick upon the plain of eavesham the whole air seemed flooded with gore and the clouds on the eastern side of the heavens black and heavy as they were assumed a lurid glare harmonizing with the whole scheme except where part of a rainbow crossed the expanse hanging the banner of hope light and peace in the midst of strife destruction and despair such was the scene at the moment when the two armies met in the dire shock of battle and fierce and terrible was the encounter as soon broken into separate parties they fought hand to hand dispersed over the plain in one of these confused groups leading on a small body of archers with robin hood by his side was the young lord of mont therma my lord my lord said sir john hardy riding up your uncle is down wounded but not dead bear him from the field sir john replied hugh robin i beseech you look to him bear him from the field bear him from the field what ho mont therma cried a loud voice from a party of spearmen coming at full speed down with your lance surrender to the prince if the prince can take me replied hugh charging his lance at edwards shield and driving his spurs deep into his horses sides hold back hold back shouted edward to his own men hold back everyone upon your lives and meeting the young lord in full career both their lances were shivered in a moment as if in some mock combat of the tilt yard hugh de mont therma's sword sprang from the sheath in a moment while edward cried yell thee hugh yell thee but a number of men on foot had run up and suddenly the young knight received a violent blow from a mallet on the side of his head while in the same instant his horse gashed deep in the belly by the broadsword of a crossbowman staggered and fell prone upon the plane a dozen spears were at his throat in a moment but edward shouted once more to stand back and springing to the ground he bent over the young knight exclaiming now hugh rescue or no rescue do you surrender i have no choice my lord replied the other i am in your hand take him to the rear said edward but use him with all kindness as your prince's friend now my lords he continued remounting his horse me thinks the field is ours and there is scarcely light to strike another blow well has the fight been fought and it is but justice to our enemies to say that never was greater valor conduct and chivalry displayed in any land than by them this day someone said demontford is dead have the tidings been confirmed they are certain my lord replied one of his attendants the lord divisci who is taken sorely wounded saw him die he was a great man said edward now spur on and clear the plane but be merciful my friends remember they are brave men and fellow countrymen thus speaking the prince advanced again and having seen that no party remained in active contention with his forces but that all were either dead taken or dispersed he caused his standard to be pitched upon the banks of the little rivulet we have mentioned his trumpets to blow the recall and thus ended the famous battle of ebbersham end of section 44 this recording is in the public domain section 45 of england this is a libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox.org the world story volume nine england edited by eve march tappan section number 45 in the days of edward the third 1272 to 1307 by eve march tappan there are three reasons why the reign of edward the third is worth remembering the first is that before its close he had adopted the ideas of the dead simon demontford and had admitted to his parliament representatives of the townsmen and of the lesser landowners the second is that he conquered wales the welsh were descendants of the early britains whom the saxons had driven to the west and although they had often been obliged to pay tribute they had never really submitted to the rule of an english king and they had a prophecy that someday their own king arthur would come back and help them to drive away the invaders edward won several victories and finally obliged the welsh to acknowledge him as their ruler of course they did this most unwillingly but matters seemed a little better when edward told them that he would give them a prince who had been born in their land and who had never spoken a word of english behold when their prince was presented to them he was edwards baby son who had been born in wales a few months before and was too young to speak a word of any language he was called prince of wales and that is why the eldest son of the english sovereign usually receives that title though he has no more power over wales than over any other part of the kingdom the third reason for remembering the reign of edward is his attempt to conquer scotland this was far more difficult than to subdue wales in scotland there were the descendants of a people called scots who had long before come from the north of island and had given their name to the country there were descendants of pics and of deans of englishmen whom william the conqueror had driven from their homes also some descendants of normans all these people were united in wishing scotland to be free but they took an unwise step which put them into edwards power the scotch king had died leaving no children and 13 distant relatives claimed the throne edward was called a wise ruler and the scotch asked him to choose among the 13 he replied that the scotch must first acknowledge him as overlord they agreed and he decided in favor of balliol though a man named robert bruce had a claim that many thought equally good soon edward began to behave so much as if he himself were king of scotland that even balliol revolted then edward came with his army put balliol from the throne and subdued the scotch when he went home he carried with him to london a stone upon which the kings of scotland always sat when they were crowned it is called the stone of schoon and the people believed that it was the very one that jacob had for a pillow when he dreamed of the ladder and the angels and that it had been carried from bethel to egypt spain ireland and finally to scotland edward put it into a chair in west minster abbey and it is on this stone that the king of england sits at his coronation the only comfort that the scotch had in its loss was an old prophecy that wherever the stone was there the scotch should rule scotland was not conquered she only waited for a leader and soon a brave strong man appeared named william wallace he knew that he could not meet the great numbers of english that would come against him so he planned to starve them out and when the english were coming the people would burn what they could not carry and then run away after a while however the great english army overpowered the few scotchmen wallace was captured and put to death the heir of robert bruce was his grandson a young man by the same name edward had kept him at the english court but one snowy morning he was missing there were footprints of horses in the snow but they pointed towards london and no one guessed that the wise young man had had the shoes put on reversed he escaped to scotland and was crowned at first he had to hide in the mountains but he always had faithful friends and he never was discouraged after a while he began to be successful and there came a time when no one knew whether he or edward would conquer the english king was old and feeble but he was as resolute as ever and he set out to subdue scotland once and for all before he was out of england he fell ill and died his last wishes were that his bones should be wrapped in an ox hide and that his son the one who had been the baby prince of wales should carry them at the head of the english army till scotland should be subdued this was not done however for edward was buried with his forefathers in west minster abbey about the middle of edwards reign he banished the jews from the kingdom thus far the english kings had allowed them to stay and had treated them less cruelly than had the kings on the continent this comparative kindness was not for the benefit of the jews however but simply because they seemed to know how to amass money better than other people and the kings found it convenient to be able to help themselves from the jewish horde when the jews made loans it was always doubtful whether they would ever see their money again and so to make up for this risk they charged enormous interest the english now claimed that this high rate of interest was an injury to the country then too many people never looked at a jew without thinking of the crucifixion of christ and fancying that even the jews of 1200 years later were to blame for it at any rate they were driven out of england 16 000 of them and it is possible that no other deed of edwards reign brought him so much praise as their cruel expulsion in the two centuries since the battle of senlak the english people had made much progress in freedom of thought they had also made progress in the manner of expressing their thoughts the french had found it quite worthwhile to know english and the english had found it convenient to know french more and more however people were looking upon a knowledge of french as an accomplishment and upon english as the real language of the country this english had been greatly changed since the days when the minstrels sang of bear wolf and one of the changes was the result of borrowing words from the french words that were nearly alike in both languages were pronounced just as it happened and as for the spelling they were spelled in whatever way came to mind first in order that those who knew but one language might understand the customer rose of using two words one from the french and one from the english meaning the same thing and that is one reason why our english of today has so many synonyms or pairs of words with nearly the same signification such as cordial hearty desire wish act deed humble lowly confess acknowledge no matter how many words english may take from the french or from any other language it always makes them wear an english dress for instance telephone is from the greek but we say telephones and telephoning and the s and the ing are not greek but english the books that were written were chiefly about england and her history some of this history is true and some of it goes back to the half fabulous days of king arthur the unwritten literature however is far more attractive in the days of the weak king steven the cruel barons robbed the people so unmercifully that many abandoned their homes and went to live in the forests then it was that men began to make ballads about bold robin hood the merry outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor who played all sorts of pranks on sheriffs and wealthy bishops but who was always ready to help anyone in trouble it was a long time before the ballads were written but they were sung throughout the land as in the days of richard a minstrel might go where he would and always find a hearty greeting so any man who could sing a ballad was ever a welcome guest people would gather in groups at any time to listen to him the ballads were on well-known old stories or on any recent event that struck the fancy of the singer he would never try to remember how another man had sung the song but would sing what chance to come to his own mind and make up lines whenever he forgot the song changed with every singer the accounts of early england that were written in this century are interesting but even though the monks that wrote them would have been greatly shocked at the thought that their pages of dignified latin were not so valuable as the street songs it is after all the ballads that are the real english literature of the century the real voice of the masses of the english people end of section 45 read by jane bennett section 46 of england this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the world's story volume 9 england edited by Eva March Tappan section 46 the first expedition of edward the third against the scots 1328 by Sir John Fwasa the scots are bold hardy and much inured to war when they make their invasions into england they march from 20 to 4 and 20 leagues without halting as well by night as day for they are all on horseback except the camp followers who are on foot the knights and esquires are well mounted on large bay horses the common people on little gallow waves they bring no carriages with them on account of the mountains they have to pass in northumberland neither do they carry with them any provisions or bread or wine for their habits of sobriety are such in time of war that they will live for a long time on flesh half sodden without bread and drink the river water without wine they have therefore no occasion for pots or pans for they dress the flesh of their cattle in the skins after they have taken them off and being sure to find plenty of them in the country which they invade they carry none with them under the flaps of his saddle each man carries a broad plate of metal behind the saddle a little bag of oatmeal when they have eaten too much of the sodden flesh and their stomachs appear weak and empty they place this plate over the fire mix with water their oatmeal and when the plate is heated they put a little of the paste upon it and make a thin cake like a cracknell or biscuit which they eat to warm their stomachs it is therefore no wonder that they perform a longer days march than other soldiers in this manner the scots entered england destroying and burning everything as they passed they seized more cattle and they knew what to do with when the English king and all his host had seen the smoke of the fires which the scots had made the alarm was immediately sounded and everyone ordered to dislodge and follow his banners they all therefore withdrew to the fields armed for immediate combat three battalions of infantry were formed each battalion having two wings composed of 500 men-at-arms who were to remain on horseback it was said that there were 8 000 men-at-arms knights and esquires and 30 000 men armed and equipped half of whom were mounted on small hackneys the other half were countrymen on foot sent by the towns and paid by them there were also 24 arches on foot besides all the crew of followers of the army thus being drawn up they marched in battle array after the scots toward the place from whence the smoke came until it was night the army halted in a wood by the side of a small river to rest themselves and to wait for their baggage and provision the scots had burnt and pillaged all the country within five leagues of the place where they were without the English being able to come up with them at daybreak the next morning everyone was armed and with banners displayed marched in good order over mountains and through valleys but could never approach the scots who were advanced before them for there were so many marshes and dangerous places that it was ordered under pain of death that no one should quit his banner except the marshals when it drew towards night the cavalry and those who attended the baggage or especially the infantry were so fatigued that they could march no further the lords saw that they followed the scots to no purpose and that if the scots were willing to wait for them they might post themselves on some mountain or in some dangerous pass where they could not be attacked but had extreme disadvantage the king then ordered the marshals to encamp the army there for the night in order that they might consider what was to be done the next day the army lay in a wood upon the banks of a small river and the king was lodged in a poor monastery hard by the men at arms horses and baggage were much fatigued when each had chosen a spot of ground to encamp himself on the lords retired apart to consider what would be the best method to force the scots to battle considering the situation of the country in which they were it appeared to them that the scots were shearing off to their own country burning and pillaging as they went and that it would be impossible to fight with them in these mountains without a manifest disadvantage supposing they should overtake them which they could not but as they must repass the time it was determined in full council that if they were to get themselves ready about midnight and hasten their march next day they might cut off the passage of the river and force them to fight to a disadvantage or remain shut up prisoners in England after this resolution had been entered into each retired to his quarters to eat and drink what he could find there and they desired their companions to be silent in order that the trumpets might be heard at the first sounding of which the horses were to be saddled and made ready at the second everyone was to arm himself without delay and at the third to mount their horses immediately and join their banners each was to take only one loaf of bread with him slung behind him after the manner of hunters all unnecessary arms harness and baggage were ordered to be left behind as they thought they should for a certainty give battle the next day whatever might be the consequences whether they should win or lose all as it had been ordered so it was executed and all were mounted and ready about midnight some had but little rest notwithstanding they had laboured hard the day before day began to appear as the battalions were assembled at their different posts the banner bearers then hastened on over heaths mountains valleys rocks and many dangerous places without meeting any level country on the summits of the mountains and in the valley were large marshes and bogs and of such extent that it was a miracle many were not lost in them for each galloped forward without waiting for either commander or companion those who fell into them found difficulty in getting any to help them many banners remained there and several baggage and sumpter horses never came out again in the course of the day there were frequent cries of alarm as if the foremost ranks were engaged with the enemy which those behind believing to be true they hurried forward as fast as possible over rocks and mountains soared in hand with their helmets and shields prepared for fighting without waiting for father brother or friend when they had hastened about half a leak toward the place from which the noise came they found themselves disappointed as the cries proceeded from some herds of deer or other wild beasts which are bounded in these heaths and desert places and which fled before the banners pursued by the shouts of the army which made them imagine it was something else in this manner the young king of england agreeably to the advice of his council rode all that day over mountains and deserts without keeping to any fixed road or finding any town about vespers and sorely fatigue they reached the time which the scots had already crossed though the english supposed they had it still to reparse accordingly they went over the ford but with great difficulty owing to the large stones that were in the river when they had passed over each took up his lodging on its bank as he could and at this time the sun was set there were few among them that had any hatchets wedges or other instruments to cut down trees to make themselves huts many of them had lost their companions and even the foot had remained behind not knowing what road to ask for those who were best acquainted with the country said that they had travelled that day 20 english leagues on a gallop without stopping except to arrange the furniture of their horses when it had been loosened by the violent exercise they were forced to lie this night on the banks of the river in their armor and at the same time hold their horses by their bridles for there was not any place where they could tie them thus the horses had nothing to eat neither oats nor any forage and the men had only their loaf that was tied behind them which was wetted by the sweat of the horses they had no other beverage but the water of the river except some great lords who had bottles among their baggage nor had they fire or light not having anything to make them off except some few lords who had some torches which they had brought on sumptuous horses in such a melancholy manner did they pass the night without taking the saddles from their horses or disarming themselves and when the long expected day appeared when they hoped to find some comfort for themselves and horses or to fight the scots which they very much wished for to get out of their disagreeable situation it began to rain and continued all the day in so much that the river was so increased by noon that no one could pass over nor could anyone be sent to know where they were or to get forage and litter for their horses or bread or wine for their own sustenance they were therefore obliged to fast another night the horses had nothing to subsist on but the leaves of the trees and grass they cut down with their swords young trees and tied their horses to them they also cut down brushwood to make huts for themselves some poor peasants coming that way in the afternoon informed them that they were 14 leagues from Newcastle upon Tyne and 11 from Carlisle and that there was not a town nearer whence they could get any accommodation when this intelligence was brought to the king and the principal lords they directly sent off messengers with horses to bring them provision and they caused a proclamation to be made in the king's name in Newcastle that whoever wished to get money he had only to bring provision wine etc for which he would be instantly paid and a safe conduct granted him they were also informed that they should not move from their present quarters until they had information where the scots were the next day the messengers which the lords had sent for provision returned about noon with what they had been able to procure for them and their households but it was not much and with them came people of the country to take their advantage of the situation of the army and brought with them on mules and small horses bred badly baked in baskets and poor thin wine in large barrels and other kinds of provision to sell with which the army was tolerably refreshed and their discontent appeased this was the case during the seven days that they remained on the banks of this river among the mountains expecting the return of the scots who knew no more of the english than they did of them thus they had remained for three days and three nights without bread wine candles oats or any other forage and they were afterwards for four days obliged to buy badly baked bread at the price of sixpence aloof which was not worth more than a penny and a gallon of wine for six grotes scarcely worth sixpence hunger however was still felt in the camp not withstanding this supply and frequent quarrels happened from there tearing the meat out of each other's hands to add to their unpleasant situation it had rained all the week by which all their saddles and girths were rotted and the greater part of the cavalry were worn down they had not wear with all to shoe their horses that wanted it nor had they anything to clothe themselves or preserve them from the rain and cold but their jerkins or armor and the green huts nor had they any wood to burn except what was so green and wet as to be of small service having continued for a whole week without hearing any tidings of the scots who they imagined must pass that way or very near it in their return home great murmurs arose in the army and many laid default on those who had given such advice adding that it was done in order to betray the king and his host upon which the lords of council ordered the army to make ready to march and cross the river seven leagues higher up where the forward was better and it was proclaimed that everyone was to be in readiness to march the next day and to follow his banners there was another proclamation made that whoever chose to take pains and find out where the scots were and should bring certain intelligence of it to the king the messenger of such news should have 100 pounds a year in land and be made a knight by the king himself when this was made known among the host many knights and esquires to the number of 15 or 16 eager to gain such rewards passed the river with much danger ascended the mountains and then separated each taking different routes the next day the army dislodged marched tolerably well considering that they were but ill-clothed and exerted themselves so much that they re-passed the river though with much danger from its being swollen by the rains many were well washed and many drowned when they had crossed over they remained there for that night finding plenty of forage in the fields near to a small village which the scots had burnt as they passed the next day they marched over hill and dale till about noon when they came to some burnt villages and some fields where they were corn and hay so that the host remained there for that night the third day they marched in the same manner but many were ignorant where they were going nor had they any intelligence of the enemy they continued their route the fourth day in this order when about three o'clock an esquire galloping up hastily to the king said sire i bring you news of the scots they are three leagues from this place lodged on a mountain where they have been this week waiting for you they knew no more where you were than you did of them and you may depend on this as true for i approached so near to them that i was taken and led a prisoner to their army before their chiefs i informed them where you were and that you were seeking them to give them battle the lords gave me up my ransom and my liberty when i informed them that you had promised one hundred pounds a year to whoever should first bring intelligence of them a bond condition that he rested not until he brought you this information and i now tell you that you will find them in the place i have mentioned as eager to meet you in battle as you yourself can be as soon as the king heard this news he ordered his army to be prepared and turned his horses to feed in the fields near to a monastery of white monks which had been burned and which was called in king Arthur's time launch land then the king confessed himself and each made his preparations according to his abilities the king ordered plenty of masses to be said to house all such as were devoutly inclined he assigned one hundred pounds value of land yearly to the esquire according to his promise and made him a knight with his own hands in the presence of the whole army when they had taken some repose and breakfasted the trumpets sounded and all being mounted the banners advanced as the young knight led them on but each battalion marched by itself in regular array over hill and dale keeping their ranks according to order first they continued marching when about twelve o'clock they came within sight of the scots army as soon as the scots perceived them they issued forth from their huts on foot and formed three good battalions upon the descent of the mountain on which they lodged a strong rapid river ran at the foot of this mountain which was so full of large rocks and stones that it was dangerous to pass it in haste if the english had passed the river there was not room between it and the mountain for them to draw up their line of battle the scots had formed their first two battalions on the two sides of the mountain and on the declivity of the rock which was not easy to climb to attack them but they themselves were posted so as to annoy them with stones if they crossed the river which if the english affected they would not be able to return there were skirmishers by both parties but no regular engagements at length the scots moved to a second mountain and the english camped on one directly opposite day after day both armies waited for something to be done and behold at last something was done toward daybreak two scots trumpeters fell in with one of the patrols who took them and brought them before the lords of the council to whom they said my lords why do you watch here you are losing your time for we swear by our heads that the scots are on their march home since midnight and are now four or five leaks off and they left us behind that we might give you the information the english said that it would be in vain to follow them as they could never overtake them but fearing deceit the lords ordered the trumpeters to close confinement and did not alter the position of the battalions until four o'clock when they saw that the scots were really gone they gave permission for each to retire to his quarters and the lords held a council to consider what was to be done some of the english however mounted their horses past the river and went to the mountain which the scots had quitted and found more than 500 large cattle which the enemy had killed as they were too heavy to carry with them and too slow to follow them and they wished not to let them fall into the hands of the english alive they found there were also more than 300 cauldrons made of leather with the hair on the outside which were hung on the fires full of water and meat ready for boiling there were also output of a thousand spits with meat on them prepared for roasting and more than 10 000 pairs of old worn out shoes made of undressed leather which the scots had left there there were found five poor english prisoners whom the scots had bound naked to the trees and some of them had their legs broken they untied them and sent them away and then returned to the army just as they were setting out on their march to england by orders from the king and council they followed all that day the banners of the marshals and halted at an early hour and beautiful meadow where there was plenty of forage for their horses and much need was there of it for they were so weakened by famine that they could scarce move the next day they decamped the times and took up their quarters still earlier at a large monastery within two leagues of Durham the king lay there that night and the army in the fields around it where they found plenty of grass pulse and corn they remained there quiet the next day but the kings and lords went to see the church of Durham the king paid his homage to the church and the bishopric which he had not before done and gave largesse to the citizens they found there all their carriages and baggage which they had left in a wood 32 days before at midnight as has been related the inhabitants of Durham finding them there had brought them away at their own cost and placed them in empty barns each carriage had a little flag attached to it that it might be known the lords were much pleased at finding them again the kings and nobles reposed two days at Durham and the army in its environs for there would not have been sufficient room to lodge them in that city they had all their horses well shod and set out on the march towards York they made such haste that in three days they arrived there and found the queen mother who received the king and nobles with great joy as did all the ladies of the court and city the king disbanded the army and gave permission for everyone to return to his home and made many acknowledgments to the Earl's barons and knights for the services they had rendered him by their advice and prowess he kept near his person Sir John de Enor and his company who were much feasted by the queen and all the ladies the knights made out their accounts for horses which had been ruined or lost or had died and gave them into the council and also a statement of their own expenses which Sir John de Enor took upon him as his own debt towards his followers for the king and his ministers could not immediately collect such a sum as their horses amounted to but he gave them sufficient for their own expenses and to carry them back to their own country they were afterwards all paid within the year the full amount of their losses end of section 46 read by Jane Bennett section 47 of England read for LibriVox.org by Sandra Schmidt. Wycliffe on trial by Fort Maddox Brown English painter 1821 to 1893 painting page 350 in 1377 John Wycliffe the morning star of the Reformation was spitten by the authorities of the church to appear before the convocation in St Paul's London and given account of the new doctrines he was teaching he appeared in new season but with an escort that was hardly expected for John Duke of Gaunt son of the king and in reality exerciser of the powers of prime minister was with him Lord Percy Earl Marshall and a band of soldiers also accompanied him the trial so-called resolved itself into a violent quarrel between the bishop of London and the king's son this soon became a general riot and to quiet the disturbance Wycliffe was allowed to retire to his church at Lutterworth in the picture Courtney Bishop of London sits on the dice at the extreme right at Wycliffe's feet sit to five friars who have been appointed as his counsel John of Gaunt naked sort in hand is apparently snapping his fingers at the bishop and making so threatening a speech that his wife the princess Constance seizes him by the robe lest he turn his sword against that dignitary Chaucer another friend of the dukes sits in the background at the right with ink stand and quill pen quietly taking notes Wycliffe stands before the bar Lord Percy has just ordered a stool to be brought for him and you must answer for all these books doctor you will need a soft seat he says we're at the wrath of the bishop increases Wycliffe however remains standing end of section 47 this recording is in the public domain section 48 of England this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the world's story volume nine England edited by Eva March Tappan section 48 the revolt of the peasants 1381 by Augustin Thierry towards the year 1381 all those in England who were called bonds that is to say all the cultivators were serfs of body and goods obliged to pay heavy aids for the small portion of land which supported their family and unable to quit this portion of land without the consent of the lords whose tillage gardening and cartage of every kind they were compelled to perform gratuitously the lord might sell them with their house their oxen their tools their children and their posterity as is thus expressed in the deeds know that I have sold such a one my naive not Tee Whom may him and all his progeny born or to be born resentment of the misery caused by the oppression of the noble families combined with an almost entire oblivion of the events which had elevated these families whose members no longer distinguish themselves by the name of normans but by the term gentlemen had led the peasants of England to contemplate the idea of the injustice of servitude in itself independently of its historical origin in the southern counties whose population was more numerous and especially in Kent the inhabitants of which had preserved a vague tradition of a treaty concluded between themselves and William the Conqueror for the maintenance of their ancient rights and liberties great symptoms of popular agitation appeared in the commencement of the reign of Richard II it was a time of excessive expense with the court and all the gentlemen on account of the wars in France which all attended at their own cost and wherein each died with the other in the magnificent sense of his train and his armor the proprietors of the lordships of manners overwhelmed their farmers and serfs with taxes and exactions alleging for every fresh demand the necessity of going to fight the French on their own ground in order to prevent their making a dissent upon England but the peasants said we are taxed to aid the knights and squires of the country to defend their heritages we are their slaves the sheep from whom they share the wall all things considered if England were conquered we should lose much less than they these and similar thoughts murmuringly exchanged on the road when the serfs of the same or of neighboring domains met each other on their return from labor became after a while the theme of earnest speeches pronounced in a sort of club where they collected in the evening some of the orators were priests and they derived them the bible their arguments against the social order of the period good people they said things may not go on in england and shall not until there be no more villians or gentlemen among us but we be all equal and the lords no more masters than we where is their greater worth that they should hold us in surpage we all come from the same father and mother adam and eve they are clothed in fine velvet and satin lined with ermine and miniver they have meat and spices and good wines we the refuse of the straw and for drink water they have ease and fine mansions we pain and hard labor the rain and the wind in the open fields here upon the whole assembly would exclaim tumultuously there shall be no more serfs we will no longer be treated as beasts if we work for the lords it shall be for pay these meetings held in many parts of Kent and Essex were secretly organized and sent deputies into the neighboring counties to seek the council and aid of men of the same class and opinion a great association was thus formed for the purpose of forcing the gentleman to renounce their privileges a remarkable feature of the confederation is that written pamphlets in the form of letters were circulated throughout the villages recommending to the associates in mysterious and proverbial terms perseverance and discretion these productions several of which have been preserved by a contemporary author are written in a pure English that is to say less mixed up with French than our other pieces of the same period destined for the amusement of the rich citizens except as facts however these pamphlets of the 14th century have nothing curious about them the most significant of them is a letter addressed to the country people by a priest named John Ball which contains the following passage John Ball greeted you all well and have give you to understand he hath rung your bell now write and might will and skill God speed every idol one stand manfully in truth and helping if the end be well then all is well notwithstanding the distance which then separated the condition of the peasants from that of the citizens and more especially from that of the London citizens the letter it would appear entered into close communication with the service of Essex and even promised to open the gates of the city to them and to admit them without opposition if they would come in a body to make their demands to King Richard this king had just entered his 16th year and the peasants full of simple good faith and a conviction in the justice of their cause imagined that he would enfranchise them in a legal manner without their needing to resort to violence it was the constant theme of their conversations let us go to the king who is young and show him our servitude let us go together and when he shall see as he will grant us his grace of his own accord if not we will use other means the association formed around London was rapidly extending when an unforeseen incident in compelling the associates to act before they had attained sufficient strength and organization destroyed their hopes and left to the progress of European civilization the gradual abolition of servitude in England in the year 1381 the necessities of the government arising from the prosecution of the war and the luxury of the court occasioned the levy of a poll tax of 12 pence for every person of whatever station who had passed the age of 15 the collection of this tax not having produced as much as had been expected commissioners were sent to inquire into the subject in their examination of the nobles and rich they were courteous and considered but towards the lower classes they were excessively rigorous and insolent the indignation caused by these outrages created an insurrection headed by a Tyler named Walter or familiarly Watt and surnamed from his trade Tyler this movement created others in Sussex, Bedfordshire and Kent of which the priest John Ball and one Jack straw were appointed leaders the three chiefs and their band augmented on its march by all the laborers and serfs it met proceeded towards London to see the king said the simpler among the insurgents who expected everything from that mere interview they marched armed with iron tip staves and rusty swords and axes in disorder but not furious singing political songs two verses of which have been preserved when Adam Delved and Eve Spann who was then the gentleman they plundered no one on their way but on the contrary paid scrupulously for all they needed the Kentish men went first to Canterbury to seize the Archbishop who was also Chancellor of England not finding him there they continued their march destroying the houses of the courteous and those of the lawyers who had conducted suits brought against serfs by the nobles they also carried off several persons whom they kept as hostages among others a knight and his two sons they halted on black heath where they entrenched themselves in a kind of camp they then proposed to the knight whom they had brought with them to go as messenger from them to the king who on the news of the insurrection have withdrawn to the tower of London the knight dared not refuse taking a boat he proceeded to the tower and kneeling before the king most dread lord he said dain to receive without displeasure the message i'm feigned to bring for dear lord it is by force i come deliver your message answer the king i will hold you excused sigh the commons of your kingdom and treat you to come and speak with them they will see no one but yourself have no fear for your safety for they will do you no evil and will always hold you their king they will show you they say many things that is necessary for you to know in which they have not charged me to tell you but dear lord dain to give me an answer that they may know i have been with you for they hold my children as hostages the king having consulted with his advisors said that if on the following morning the peasants would come as far as rather hide he would meet them and speak with them this answer greatly delighted them they passed the night in the open air as well as they could for they were nearly sixty thousand in number and most of them fasted for want of food next day the 12th of june the king heard mass in the tower and then despite the entreaties of the archbishop of Canterbury who urged him not to compromise himself with shoeless vagabonds he proceeded in a barge accompanied by some knights to the opposite shore where about 10 000 men from the camp at blackheath had collected when they saw the barge approach they says fwasa set up shouts and cries as if all the devils from hell had come in their company which so terrified the king's escort that they entreated him not to land and kept the barge at a distance from the bank what would you have said the king to the insurgents i'm here to speak with you land and we will show you more readily what we would have the Earl of Salisbury answering for the king said sirs you are not in fit order for the king to come to you and the barge returned to the tower the insurgents went back to blackheath to tell their fellows what had occurred and there was now but one cry among them to london to london let us march upon london they marched accordingly to london destroying several manor houses on their way but without plundering them of anything arrived at london bridge they found the gates closed they demanded admission and urged the keepers not to drive them to use violence the mayor william wallworth a man of english origin as his name indicates wishing to ingratiate himself to the king of the gentry was at first resolved to keep the gates shut and to post armed men on the bridge to stop the peasants but the citizens especially those of the middle and lower classes so decidedly opposed this project that he was feigned to renounce it why said they why are we not to admit these good folk they are our people and whatever they do is for us the gate was opened and the insurgents overrunning the city distributed themselves among the houses in search of food which everyone readily gave them from good will or from fear those who were first satisfied hastened to the palace of the duke of Lancaster called the Savoy and set fire to it out of hatred to this lord the king's uncle who had recently taken an active part in the administration of public affairs they burned all his valuable furniture without appropriating a single article and threw into the flames one of their party whom they detected carrying something away actuated by the same sentiments of political vengeance unmixed with other passion they put to death with a fantastic mockery of judicial form several of the king's officers they did no harm to men of the citizen and trading class whatever their opinions excepted the lombards and Fleming's who conducted the banks in London under the protection of the court and several of whom as farmers of the taxes had rendered themselves accomplices in the oppression of the poor in the evening they assembled in great numbers and say Catherine Square near the tower saying they would not leave the place until the king had granted them what they required they passed the night here from time to time sending forth loud shots which terrified the king and the lords in the tower the latter held council with the mayor of London asked through the best course to be pursued in suppressing a danger the mayor who had deeply compromised himself with the insurgents was for violent measures he said nothing could be easier than to defeat by a direct attack with regular forces a set of people running in disorder about the streets and scarce one in ten of whom was well armed his advice was not followed the king preferring the council of those who said if you can appease these people by good words it were best and most profitable for if we begin a thing we cannot achieve we shall never regain our ground in the morning the insurgents who had passed the night in St Catherine Square set themselves in motion and declared that unless the king came to them forthwith they would take the tower by assault and put to death all that were within it the king sent word that if they would remove two mile end he would meet them there without fail and shortly after their departure he accordingly followed them accompanied by his two brothers by the Earl's of Salisbury Warwick and Oxford and by several other barons as soon as they had quitted the tower those insurgents who had remained in the city entered it by force and running from chamber to chamber sees the Archbishop of Canterbury the king's treasurer and two other persons whom they decapitated and then stuck their heads upon pikes the main body of the insurgents numbering 50 000 men was assembled at mile end when the king arrived at side of the armed peasants his two brothers and several barons were alarmed and left him but he young as he was both the advanced and addressing the rioters in the English tongue said good people i am your king and sir what want you what would you have from me those who were within hearing of what he said answered we would have you free as forever us our children and our good so that we be no longer called serfs or held in be it so said the king returned to your houses by villages as you came and only leave behind you two or three men of each place I will have forthwith written and sealed with my seal letters which they shall carry with them and which shall freely secure unto you all you ask and I forgive you all you have done hitherto but you must return every one of you to your houses as I have said the letters were distributed and the men started for their homes John Ball and Watt Tyler however felt little confidence in the letters they brought together several thousand men and declared that they should remain in London until the king had given them far more definite concessions and also security that these concessions would be kept their firmness produced its effect upon the lords of the court who not venturing as yet to employ force advised the king to have an interview with the chiefs of the revolt in Smithfield the peasants having received this notification repaired thither to await the king who came escorted by the mayor and alderman of London and by several courtiers and knights he drew up his horse at a certain distance from the insurgents and sent an officer to say that he was present and that the leader who was to speak for them might advance that leader m i answered Watt Tyler and heedless of the danger to which he exposed himself he ordered his men not to move hand or foot until he should give them a signal and then rode boldly up to the king approaching him so near that his horse's head touched the flank of Richard Steed without any obsequious forms he proceeded explicitly to demand certain rights the natural result of the enfranchisement of the people namely the right of buying and selling freely in towns and out of towns and that right of hunting in all forests parks and commons and of fishing in all waters which the men of English race had lost at the conquest the king hesitated to reply in meantime Watt Tyler whether from impatience or to show by his gestures that he was not intimidated played with a short sword he had in his hand and tossed it to and fro the mayor of London William Walworth who rode beside the king thinking that Watt Tyler menaced Richard or simply carried away by passion struck the insurgent a blow on the head with his mace and knocked him from his horse the king's suite surrounded him to conceal for a moment what was passing and a squire of Norman birth named Phil Pot dismounting thrust his sword into Tyler's heart and killed him the insurgents perceiving that their chief was no longer on horseback set themselves in motion exclaiming they have slain our captain let us kill them all and those who had bows bent them to shoot upon the king and his train King Richard displayed extraordinary courage he quitted his attendance saying remain and let none follow me and then advanced alone towards the peasants forming in battle array whom he thus addressed my legious what are you doing what wants you you have no other captain than I Tyler was a traitor I am your king and will be your captain and guide remain at peace follow me into the fields and I will give you what you ask astonishment at this proceeding and the impression ever produced on the masses by him who possesses the sovereign power induced the main body of the insurgents to follow the king as it were by a mechanical instinct while Richard withdrew talking with them the mayor hastened into the city rung the alarm bell and had it cried through the streets they are killing the king they are killing the king as the insurgents had quitted the city the English and foreign gentlemen and their rich citizens who sided with the nobles and who had remained in arms and their houses with their people fearful of pillage all came forth and several thousand in number the majority being on horseback and completely armed hastened towards the open fields about islington wither the insurgents were marching in disorder expecting no attack as soon as the king saw them approach he galloped up to them and joining their ranks ordered an attack upon the peasants who taken by surprise and seized with a panic terror fled in every direction most of them throwing down their arms great carnage was made of them and many of the fugitives re-entering london concealed themselves in the houses of their friends not in london alone but throughout the land there was uproar and rebellion the poorly armed peasants were met by the nobles who had weapons and armor and castles the result was of course the suppression of the revolt the leaders were put to death and the the lines were driven back to their former condition of servitude as the king's proclamation to them declared the lines you were and are and in bondage you shall remain end of section 48 this recording is in the public domain