William Fitz Osbert facts for kids

William Fitz Osbert (died 1196) was a citizen of London who became known as "the advocate of the poor." He led a large protest in the spring of 1196. During the 12th century, big protests by poor people and farmers in England were quite rare. They were usually stopped quickly. Most of what we know about the 1196 protest comes from a historian named William of Newburgh. He wrote about it in his book Historia rerum anglicarum.

The Story of William Fitz Osbert

Fitz Osbert was a very noticeable person. He had a long beard, which earned him the nickname "the Bearded." He was very good at speaking and could inspire many people. He had studied at a university and had even gone on the Third Crusade. He also held an important job in London's government. People at the time said he was very smart and a great speaker. He wanted to make a big name for himself and planned important things.

Big protests in cities were not common in England during the 1100s and 1200s. But the events of 1196 were a big exception. Fitz Osbert became a champion for the poor people of London. He held meetings where he gave exciting speeches. He often traveled with large groups of poor people who protected him. One source said he started a "powerful plan" that was driven by the poor against the rich. He gathered more than 52,000 supporters. They even hid weapons around the city. These weapons were meant to be used to break into the homes of rich London citizens. However, Fitz Osbert always said he was loyal to the king, Richard I. He even went to see the king in Normandy to prove his loyalty.

Despite this, Hubert Walter, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, decided that Fitz Osbert had to be stopped. He sent two people to capture Fitz Osbert when he was alone. During the struggle, one of the attackers was killed. Fitz Osbert escaped with a few followers. He ran to a nearby church called St Mary le Bow. He didn't plan to seek sanctuary (protection in a church). Instead, he wanted to defend the church like a fort.

Most of his supporters were afraid to fight to defend the church. So, Hubert Walter surrounded the church with armed men and had it set on fire. As Fitz Osbert came out of the smoke and flames, he was stabbed in the stomach. He was then taken prisoner. A few days later, he was found guilty. He was then executed along with nine of his followers who refused to leave him.

His followers believed he was a martyr (someone who dies for their beliefs). The place where he was executed became a daily gathering spot. People honored items connected to his execution. They even collected soil from the spot where he died, which created a pit. Eventually, armed guards had to be placed there to keep people away.

In later centuries, protests like this became more common. But in the 12th and 13th centuries, English kings usually had problems with rich nobles, not often with the common people.

See also

• Revolt of 1173–1174 – A protest led by nobles.
• University of Paris strike of 1229 – A protest by students.