Coat of arms of the City of London 13th-century seal, and on two embroidered seal-bags of 1319, that depicted St Paul holding a sword. It is sometimes said that the sword in the 1381 arms represents the dagger used by Lord Mayor of London William Walworth to kill Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt, on 15 June 1381. This tradition dates at least as far back as the first edition of "Holinshed's Chronicles", published in 1577, but cannot be correct, as the arms were in use some months before Tyler's death. The crest and supporters came into use in the 17th century, but were used without authority
Peasants' Revolt a great storm in England during May 1381, which many felt to prophesy future change and upheaval, adding further to the disturbed mood. The revolt of 1381 broke out in Essex, following the arrival of John Bampton to investigate non-payment of the poll tax on 30 May. Bampton was a member of Parliament, a Justice of the Peace and well-connected with royal circles. He based himself in Brentwood and summoned representatives from the neighbouring villages of Corringham, Fobbing and Stanford-le-Hope to explain and make good the shortfalls on 1 June. The villagers appear to have arrived well-organised, and armed with