William Grindecobbe motivated at least in part to rebel as a result of the pressures of papal taxation. Along with Wat Tyler and John Wrawe, he was one of the key leaders of the peasants during the revolt of 1381, leading the townspeople of St Alban's on 15 June. He was executed in 1381 along with John Wrawe and John Ball. His trial and execution was overseen by Henry le Despenser. During the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, he became well known for his actions against the high lord Thomas de la Mare, Abbot of St. Albans. He led a deputation to King
John Spencer (Lord Mayor of London) John Spencer (Lord Mayor of London) Sir John Spencer (died 1610) was a successful English merchant and lord mayor of London. He was the son of Richard Spencer of Waldingfield in Suffolk, came to London, and as a merchant was nicknamed "Rich Spencer". His trade with Spain, Turkey, and Venice was substantial, and he was accused in 1591 of engrossing, with two other merchants, the whole trade with Tripoli. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have visited him at Canonbury House in 1581, a property he bought from Thomas Wentworth, 2nd Baron Wentworth in 1570. Spencer was a member of