Richard of Wallingford (constable) facts for kids

Richard of Wallingford was an important person in the 14th century. He was in charge of Wallingford Castle and owned land near St Albans. He played a big part in the English peasants' revolt of 1381. Even though he wasn't a peasant, he helped plan the actions of Wat Tyler, a main leader of the revolt. Richard of Wallingford also helped present the rebels' requests to King Richard II. The rebels wanted to end a system called feudalism, where people were tied to the land and had to work for a lord. They also wanted to stop unfair rules about buying and selling goods. Wat Tyler did not accept a deal from the king, even though Richard of Wallingford tried to convince him.

Role in the Peasants' Revolt

Richard of Wallingford was a key figure in the 1381 Peasants' Revolt. This was a major uprising in England. People were unhappy with high taxes and unfair rules. Richard of Wallingford helped organize the rebels. He worked closely with Wat Tyler. Together, they tried to get the king to agree to their demands.

Presenting Rebel Demands

Richard of Wallingford helped present the rebels' wishes to King Richard II. The rebels had several important requests. They wanted to end serfdom. This meant people would be free to leave their land. They also wanted to stop having to work for their lords for free. Another demand was to remove rules that made it hard to buy and sell goods. These rules often favored certain powerful people.

Events in St Albans

Richard of Wallingford took a letter from King Richard II to St Albans. A rebellion was also happening there. The leader in St Albans was William Grindecobbe. He and his supporters were upset about rules that stopped them from grinding their own grain. They believed an old agreement from King Offa gave them this right. But the abbot (leader) of St Albans Abbey had taken this right away.

Richard of Wallingford argued with the abbot about these rights. He used the king's letter to support the rebels. He asked the abbot to show the old agreement. While they were talking, news arrived that Wat Tyler had been killed. This news made the rebels in St Albans less demanding. They then asked for fewer changes.

After the Revolt

After Wat Tyler's death, King Richard II regained control. Most of the people who rebelled with Richard of Wallingford were punished. Many were put to death. However, Richard of Wallingford was sent to prison instead. Later, the king decided to forgive him. This is called a royal pardon.

Meanwhile, King Richard II canceled all the agreements he had made during the revolt. He also gave back all the rights to the abbot of St Albans. This meant the rebels' demands were not met in the end.

Not to Be Confused With

It is important not to confuse this Richard of Wallingford with another famous person. There was an earlier Richard of Wallingford who was a mathematician. He was also an abbot of St Albans Abbey. They lived at different times.