Battle of Billericay facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Billericay
Part of Peasant's Revolt
"The Peasant War" by Constantin Meunier
Date 28 June 1381 Location Billericay, Essex 51.628°N 0.4184°E Result Royal Victory
Belligerents
Royal Forces	Rebel Forces
Commanders and leaders
Thomas of Woodstock Thomas Percy	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown, Minimal	Around 500

The Battle of Billericay was a fight that happened on June 28, 1381. It was part of the Peasants' Revolt, a big uprising in England. In this battle, the soldiers of the young King Richard II defeated a group of rebels from Essex. The fight took place near a wood northeast of Billericay. This wood was probably Norsey Wood.

What Was the Peasants' Revolt?

The Peasants' Revolt was a major rebellion in England in 1381. It happened because people were unhappy with high taxes and unfair rules. Many ordinary people, like farmers and workers, rose up against the government. They wanted better treatment and more freedom.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

After the main rebel leader, Wat Tyler, was killed, the king's forces started to regain control. But some rebels in Essex still wanted to fight. They sent messages asking other rebels to meet in places like Great Baddow and Rettendon. Hundreds of rebels gathered in northeast Billericay on June 27. They prepared for a fight by digging trenches and linking their carts together to form a barrier.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The king's army was led by important noblemen. These included Thomas of Woodstock, who was the Earl of Buckingham, and Thomas Percy. The rebel forces were made up of ordinary people, and their leaders are not known.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

The king's soldiers charged at the rebels' defensive line. The rebels found it hard to form a strong defense. The royal army broke through their lines. Some rebels tried to stand their ground, forming a tight circle to fight. But many others ran away and fled into the nearby woods.

What Was the Result?

The Battle of Billericay was a clear victory for the king's forces. It is believed that about 500 Essex rebels were killed during the battle. Many of them were buried at Great Burstead churchyard. The king's army also captured around 800 horses from the rebels.

What Happened to the Survivors?

Only a few rebels managed to survive the battle. They tried to get people in Colchester to join their fight, but they failed. Then they went to Sudbury, where they found more of the king's soldiers waiting for them. The last remaining rebels traveled to Huntingdon. Their final stand happened at Ramsey Abbey. There, 25 more rebels were killed, and the rest became outlaws, meaning they had to live outside the law.