Tower of London When Richard II was crowned in 1377, he led a procession from the Tower to Westminster Abbey. This tradition began in at least the early 14th century and lasted until 1660. During the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 the Tower of London was besieged with the King inside. When Richard rode out to meet with Wat Tyler, the rebel leader, a crowd broke into the castle without meeting resistance and looted the Jewel House. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury, took refuge in St John's Chapel, hoping the mob would respect the sanctuary. However, he was taken away and beheaded on
Thomas Baker (Peasants' Revolt leader) Thomas Baker (Peasants' Revolt leader) Thomas Baker, an English landowner, was one of the leaders who initiated the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Thomas Baker's holding was "Pokattescroft alias Bakerescroft" in Fobbing. This holding still exists, although by the time of the 19th century tithe map it had become known as Whitehall Six Acres The Peasants' Revolt was triggered by incidents in the Essex villages of Fobbing and Brentwood. On 30 May, John Brampton attempted to collect the poll tax from villagers at Fobbing. The villagers, led by Thomas Baker, a local landowner, told Brampton that they would give him nothing